So I had a set of points break while in use. I heard them start to whir and then the engine just stopped. It was immediately obvious it was an ignition problem.
Upon inspection I found that the contact tab that follows the distributor shaft lobes had broke. Odd. So I put in a brand new set of points that I had in an unopened box. Set the gap, put the cap back on and no spark.
I then did the standard test-light examination and found the new points were not conducting at all when closed. I could even hold them closed tightly with my fingers and no conductivity at all! I had to take them out, polish them and put them back in. Then all was fine.
My question: is it common to have to polish brand new points?
Upon inspection I found that the contact tab that follows the distributor shaft lobes had broke. Odd. So I put in a brand new set of points that I had in an unopened box. Set the gap, put the cap back on and no spark.
I then did the standard test-light examination and found the new points were not conducting at all when closed. I could even hold them closed tightly with my fingers and no conductivity at all! I had to take them out, polish them and put them back in. Then all was fine.
My question: is it common to have to polish brand new points?