Re: Replacing points on a Ford 3000

Posted by Tom in TN on May 24, 2004 at 15:14:20 from (205.188.116.74):

In Reply to: Replacing points on a Ford 3000 posted by Sam Hopkins on May 24, 2004 at 11:21:55:

Sam,

Replacing points inside a distributor is a simple, but somewhat precise process. You probably already know this, but just in case you don't, here's some background information. Points are comprised of two electrically isolated contacts. One of the contacts is part of the main portion of the assembly and electrically is always connected to ground. This is by virtue of the fact that the screw that holds the points to the distributor plate (which is always at ground potential)goes through the main portion of the assembly. There is no wire of any kind attached to this part of the points.

The other contact (which is electrically isolated from the one that is part of the main assembly) has a bolt and nut assembly on it. The nut loosens and two connections are made to it. The wire that comes out of the end of the condensor connects to it, and a small wire that passes through the side of the distributor and eventually ends up on one of the small connectors on the coil also connects to it.

So, to replace the points,

1.use a small open end wrench (usually around 5/32" to loosen the nut on the bolt that holds the two wires to the points.

2. lift the wires up out of the way.

3. use a magnectic screwdriver (or some other type of locking screwdriver that will clamp the screw to the screwdriver) and remove the screw that is holding the points to the distributor plate. Lift the screw out of the distributor being very careful not to drop the screw.

4. lift the points out of the distributor.

Reverse the procedure to install the new points. Now the precision part begins. The points open and close as the cam follower on one of the points follows the cam on the distributor shaft as the distributor shaft rotates. The gap between the two points when the cam follower is on a high lobe of the distributor cam is the points gap. For a 3000 3-cylinder engine, it's supposed to be .024 to .026 inches. The point gap also directly effects the timing of the ignition since the coil is going to produce the spark to the spark plugs when the points open.

This gap is adjusted by rotating the engine until the cam follower on the points is on a high lobe of the distributor cam, slightly loosening the screw that holds the points to the distributor plate, and carefully moving the point assembly closer to or farther from the distributor cam, thus opening or closing the points gap. You will be able to see a slot in the distributor plate just below the end of the points assembly. By inserting a screwdriver into that slot so that one side of the screwdriver is contacting the slot in the distributor plate and the other side of the screwdriver is contacting the points, you will be able to twist the screwdriver ever so slightly to move the points assembly back and forth in relation to the distributor cam.

When you have the gap set to the proper amount, tighten the screw that holds the points to the distributor plate and check the gap again. Very often, the gap changes when you tighten the screw. When you have it set, attach the condensor wire and ignition wire to the points and tighten the little nut that holds them to the points assembly. Re-check the gap.

At that point you're done with the points. Technically, you should then check and adjust the timing since it is effected by when the points open, but that's another post.

Good luck,

Tom in TN

Follow Ups:

• Re: Re: Replacing points on a Ford 3000 Sam Hopkins 06:43:14 05/25/04 (0)

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