Hot points

I have a problem with my points on my Massey getting hot and melting the plastic. I use the shim to set at .025

(quoted from post at 12:07:46 12/26/11) I have a problem with my points on my Massey getting hot and melting the plastic. I use the shim to set at .025

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eally good points use phenolic not plastic, but you may have too much coil current as a result of coil change out to wrong one or change up to 12 from 6 v without coil change, etc. Insert ammeter in series with coil, close or short across points and if current is over 4 to 5 amperes, it is too high.

Ken as JMOR stated there is most likely too much voltage. It would help to know model, 6V or 6V converted to 12V or factory 12V, source of points and coil and if the coil requires an external resistor.


Rick

Besides what JMOR says, if this problem just started, look for a bad voltage regulator as a possible root cause of the problem. Even with the correct primary resistance, if the voltage is too high you can star burning points.

You probably need a ballast resistor between your ignition switch and coil. Hal

Thanks for the info guys, no nothing was converted this just started happening soI will go out and check the volts first and go from there. Thanks

If the "correct" points assembly is overheating, a couple (could be other mechanical heat retention issues) electrical related issues come to mind.

1) The coil, and the points which switch coil current on and off, ARE CARRYING/SWITCHING TOO MUCH CURRENT. A typical Kettering Coil Ignition System like used on our old tractors limits point current switching to not much over 4 or so amps.

a) Perhaps because it isn’t the correct coil (like a 6 volt rated unballasted coil operating at 12 volts)
b) Perhaps the coil is just going bad and the points are switching too much current.
c) Perhaps you have a 12 volt tractor using a 6 volt rated coil but the voltage dropping (12 to 6) ballast resistor (that’s in series between ign switch and coil) is by passed or shorted around or just bad.
d) Perhaps it’s a 6 volt rated coil on a 12 volt tractor that has the starting ballast by pass system but its bad so the coil is operating at 12 volts unballasted all the time.
e) Perhaps it just baddddddd points

MECHANICAL ISSUES

a) Are you using cam grease on the distributors cam ????????????
b) Are the distributors bushings okay so the cam and shaft isnt wobbling around???


2) One purpose of the condensor is to extend the life of the points, if its bad or open or not grounded the points can burn up much sooner.

SUMMARY

You need to insure it’s the correct coil (6 or 12 volt and tractor voltage is ???),,,,,,,,,,,Insure the condenser is good and its grounded,,,,,,,,If it’s a 12 volt tractor using a 6 volt rated coil insure the voltage dropping (12 down to 6) ballast resistor is in place and working and not by passed or shorted etc.,,,,,,,,,,,,cam grease,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,distributor bushings okay,,,,,,,,,

This is my opinion, others may have the same or different opinions

John T

A bad ignition switch caused the points to burn out regularly on a JD 2010 I had, but they weren't getting as hot as the OP described. Probably the other suggestions should be followed first.

KEH

Dont use points with plastic parts.All points run hot.