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I like the old school points system, its part of the hobby, but knowledge of them is going extinct.
Over the years through their failures I have had to replace them both together for sake of not knowing which component was the culprit of the failure. Now though trial and error I’ve learned that they fail separately and not together as a pair. Most of the time it seems (for me) to be the condenser, this past week it was the points, this recent failure occurred as a result of a poor contact alignment within the pads.
Is there a way to test and/or determine when either component is within a service point vs. replacement point of time? Most of the failures I have had occurred earlier than the end of life mileage expectancy. I suspect these parts may have been trashed before there time.
What is the proper method to inspect and clean points?
What is a good method to align the points contact pads?
Is there a test to verify a condenser’s condition?
And is there more servicing information that could be shared here regarding this subject?
if you listen to the radio on accessory without engine running it can burn your points!
Points should last a looooonng time. Condensor longer. You always replace the condenser when changing points. You are doing something wrong if this is not the case.
A quality points set will last a LONG time, if you drive less than 3K miles per year. But, once a year [or two], I will open the distributor and have a look at the points to see if they are pitted, worn, burnt, etc. If they look 'decent', I will file/sand the points contacts to clean them off and improve contact pattern. Since I know the points are OK, I then listen for ignition miss/stumble when I drive the car. That is the 'tell' that the condenser is starting to age/fail. Whenever that happens, it's time for a new condenser. It's rare that I ever buy both at the same time.
P.S. Condenser tends to fail based on AGE, rather than miles...since the car isn't really driven that much. I might get 3-4 years out of each condenser. But, I've gotten a 'lemon' or two in my time that haven't lasted one year.
Rick, I have run points on many of my vintage cars and seldom have trouble with them. You probably know this already but, a common failure I've seen is when the points are installed and the small capsule of lube is not used. This will cause the fiber (or plastic) cam follower to wear out prematurely. Also, as VERYSOON said, extended key on power will burn a set of points as well. Greg
I appreciate the input, TJ, but I only use fine grit wet/dry paper to clean up the points. File is too rough and too thick, and can alter contact alignment. One 3" x 1/2" strip of 320 grit paper, folded in half with grit facing 'out', can be placed between the contacts and then pulled thru them for cleaning and to true them up. Never had any problem. Best to pull a strip of clean paper towel thru after cleaning to get any grit/dirt that might be left.
Pertronix Ignitor? I had one in a Corvair, worked fine for 12K miles, auto crossing, long trips,etc. No adjustments needed. I like tinkering with mechanical systems, but I prefer driving the car.
Well, you should always keep a spare Pertronix module and tools with you wherever you go. A points ignition won't just quit on you; it will start to have ignition 'miss' condition or run 'ratty', but it will get you home. When the Pertronix module fails, YOU WALK HOME. And they do fail. Heat, nasty environment, vibration eventually do them in. Pertronix is fine...as long as they are functional.
Well, you should always keep a spare Pertronix module and tools with you wherever you go. A points ignition won't just quit on you; it will start to have ignition 'miss' condition or run 'ratty', but it will get you home. When the Pertronix module fails, YOU WALK HOME. And they do fail. Heat, nasty environment, vibration eventually do them in. Pertronix is fine...as long as they are functional.
No argument here. HEI modules are worth keeping spares of, too, if so equipped.
Points should last a looooonng time. Condensor longer. You always replace the condenser when changing points. You are doing something wrong if this is not the case.
Originally Posted by 7T1vette
Condenser tends to fail based on AGE, rather than miles...I might get 3-4 years out of each condenser. But, I've gotten a 'lemon' or two in my time that haven't lasted one year.
Originally Posted by Greg
a common failure I've seen is when the points are installed and the small capsule of lube is not used. This will cause the fiber (or plastic) cam follower to wear out prematurely.
Originally Posted by Tampa Jerry
Only use a file on points. Sandpaper can leave material on the surface of the points and cause dead spots.
I looked up Ignition Point File, I need one of those.
Originally Posted by Richard454
Not true- in accessory the points/coil do NOT get power...only on ignition and start.
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Originally Posted by RickDett
What is the proper method to inspect and clean points? Visually, if the old points are serviceable you can dress them up with a 'flex stone file'.
What is a good method to align the points contact pads? Bend the stationary side or replacement.
Is there a test to verify a condenser’s condition? A failing condenser can cause an ark (pit) on either the stationary or the moving side of the points depending on if the voltage or resistance is too high or too low. We don't know the value of our condensers and who has an ESR meter.
And is there more servicing information that could be shared here regarding this subject?
Points and Condenser Servicing
