8N point gap...

LtfJ

New User
I can't get the point gap even close to .015. Cheating it every way I can think of only gets the gap to about .030. The last time I replaced the points, I settled for that and the tractor 'ran', but it's only been 20 or 30 hours and now, no spark, so I'm doing new points again and running into the same can't-get-the-gap-down-to-.015 problem. What the heck is going on?
 
First of all, side-mount or front mount distributor?

Secondly, are you using QUALITY points, such as Blue Streak?
 
Cheap poorly made points from the country of not always right could be your problem or the bushings in the distributor are getting bad. I'm guessing since you say 0.015 you have a front mount distributor and if by chance you have a side mount then 0.025 is what you need to set them at but either way cheap points or bad bushings will cause your problems
 
I had the same problem about a month ago. First with Asian made points, Second with USA Echlin brand. To me, it looked like someone before me replaced the round backing plate. The stud that the points pivot on was mis-located. Ended up having to file out the eccentric slot and screw slots to attain the .015 point clearance. Didn’t like it, but it works fine now.
 
Wow, you guys are FAST... Yep, it's a front mount, and yep, they're cheapo points {I guess} that I bought at Atwoods and Tractor Supply Co., but since the problem is identical with both sets {5 years apart}, I figured I should look somewhere else for the real cause...
 
Thanks, JEKI, what you said sounds just like my problem, and your solution sounds just like what I'll have to do to fix it. I guess we have to expect some wiggle with replacement parts... after all, the thing is 60-something years old.
 
O'Reilly's also has Borg-Warner points,Napa's Ecklin,and Blue streak as mentioned are all good.At one time all of the brands were good,but no longer.Good luck.---lha
 
Do not buy front mount points made by TISCO. They are junk. Most times you can not get the points set at .015 unless you file out the adjustment hole and then the rubbing bar wears down in several hours. CNH now also sells TISCO points. I got tied of trying to find good front mount points and since my tractor already had a 12 volt electrical system I converted to EI. Two years now and the tractor still runs great.
 
You can change points everyday & it will not fix bad bushings. If you are having trouble w/ points failure, check the shaft. If you detect movement, chances are it needs new bushings.

The next trick to points lasting a long, long time is annual maintenance. (tip # 40) No matter how well it's running, pull the distributor (or cap for a sidemount), check the gap & put a dab of points lube on the cam. Not bearing grease or Vaseline; use the correct lube.

Quality parts are critical to longevity. Having learned the hard way, I most always use Blue Streak brand points. They are made by Standard parts & available at many auto parts stores. (frontmount points also fit a 48 Ford as I recall) Beware of sticker shock: $16-18 a set. My next choices are Wells or Echlin. Look for a brown rubbing block. Unfortunately, many folks have experienced problems w/ points made by Tisco, Sparex, A&I Products and any TSC ignition parts..

Correct points installation & gap is also important. Make sure the blade is at a perfect right angle to the points & you want to feel just the slightest bit of drag when you pull the blade through the points. Make sure the blade is clean & that you dress the new points by running some card stock or a piece of brown paper bag through them. Gap is .015 on the frontmount on all four lobes of the cam. Make sure the points align correctly.

Even as tight as I am, I always change the condenser when I change the points…….and then I toss the condenser in the “used” parts box. A bad condenser is rare; you can tell if the points are pitted/burned w/ metal transfer.

Good hold-down screws are important. (tip # 37) If the heads are wallowed out, what do you think the threads look like? You can use machine screws as temporary replacements, but you should use the OEM Fillister head screws. The larger head is there for a reason. If you do use standard machine screws, make sure they aren’t too long & interfere w/ the advance weights. Always use star washers under the screws.
50 Tips
 

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