AC CA Points

oldguyandson · Jul 5, 2022

I am having CA points issues. Recently did a 12v conversion w/rewire. All new tune up parts with new 12v coil. I've been unable to get it running smoothly. My points kept needing adjustment after it would not start at all. I'd open up the dist and the points would be closed without the position of hold down screw changing. Adjust them again and it would start and run crappy. Repeat. I then noticed the plastic body that includes the "nub" that rubs to open and close the points on the dist shaft looks to be melting. The points themselves appear to already be pitting as well. Questions:
Did I buy a bad brand of points? Any suggestions on vendor for good points and condenser?
There is also a pad inside the dist that rubs on the shaft. Is there something I should do to maintain this?
Could there be another reason this is happening such as over charging? Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

This post was edited by oldguyandson on 07/05/2022 at 09:46 am.

old · Jul 5, 2022

Cheap China made points will do that or you have a coil that is really 6 volts and needs a ballast resister in line with it

wore out · Jul 5, 2022

If you have an accurate way to measure the primary current, ignition switch ''ON'', engine not running, points closed, that will show if a different coil or a primary circuit resistor is needed with the one you have.

In general, it should be in the 3 to 4 Amp range.

If less, spark may be ''weak'', if current is at the high end of the range or above the coil and breaker points will run hotter and the points will burn quicker.

Also, typically, better quality breaker points have a ''phenolic'' wear block which is more heat-resistant than the thermoplastic wear blocks.

The felt that rubs on the cam was traditionally lubed with ''breaker cam lube''. ''Back in the day'' most every auto parts store had a display of the stuff on the counter or nearby, it's a bit tougher to find now.

A tiny dab of most any grease will do the job.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/maa-26015

Jim.ME · Jul 5, 2022

I use Standard Motor Products Bue Streak line whenever possible. NAPA Echlin line is second choice. Specify you do not want the "trade" lines of either, as there is a "competitive" grade choice for some items. You can put 4-5 drops of 10W motor oil on the felt wick every 300 hours, per the manual. For the cam they called out a "trace" of High temperature ball bearing grease. The distributor lube wore out suggest is fine as well.

oldguyandson · Jul 6, 2022

Thank you.

oldguyandson · Jul 6, 2022

I will check this and thank you for the suggestions.

oldguyandson · Jul 6, 2022

Thanks.

Ted in NE-OH · Jul 6, 2022

If the points seem to be changing gap check cetter shaft for sideways movement , may need new bushing.

oldguyandson · Jul 11, 2022

Am I measuring the current across the + and - on the coil? Thanks. I don't seem to be reading anything there with a my handheld voltmeter set on
the 10A measuring mode.

wore out · Jul 11, 2022

(quoted from post at 12:30:50 07/11/22) Am I measuring the current across the + and - on the coil? Thanks. I don't seem to be reading anything there with a my handheld voltmeter set on
the 10A measuring mode.

Measure the primary current with the appropriate Ammeter in SERIES or (if available) an electronic ''clamp-on'' meter capable of reading DC Amps.

AC CA Points

oldguyandson

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old

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Jim.ME

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oldguyandson

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Ted in NE-OH

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