Reset or Change Points?

Paulporsche · 08-27-2019, 05:55 AM

I still run breaker points. I have a cache of them that I want to use before I change over to a Pertronix or other breakerless setup.

In the interim, I was wondering, for those few of you who are still using points, do you reset them periodically to keep them at their optimum spot? Or do you just let the rub block wear down until the edge of the spec is reached and then replace them? Assume for now that the point contact surfaces are still good.

As the block wears down, is there still enough left to fully open the points, or will the reduced size of the block prevent this?

proporsche · proporsche's Garage

For me, if there are no pits at the contacts use them...and adjust them..
Ivan

HarryD · 08-27-2019, 12:07 PM

I periodically check my dwell and if in spec, move on.

If out of spec and they look ok, I file them and reset to spec.

They get replaced every 15,000 miles as part of a major tune up.

Paulporsche · 08-27-2019, 12:14 PM

Thanks guys. Just wanted to see what others have been doing.

I'm sticking with my current set and resetting the gap.

Paulporsche · 08-27-2019, 04:52 PM

Points looked good. I reset them to 36 degrees and I'll periodically check them.

patkeefe · 08-27-2019, 05:42 PM

Paul, I always just checked he dwell. I usually ran a bit of emery board in between the points to clean the surfaces up. I rarely had a need to install new ones

Trackrash · Trackrash's Garage

All you need to do is put a very thin amount of grease on the cam periodically. You will be surprised at how long a set of points lasts.

Checking the dwell and timing once in a while is a good idea as well.

dicklague · dicklague's Garage

I drive my 1973 a lot. It has 250,000 + miles on it.

I can tell right away in performance when the point gap is off. I was even stranded on the freeway once due to point gap..

For my money there is nothing like Pertronix. I change oil, adjust valves, but never open the distributor unless to oil the bushing.

Unless your car is a garage queen and you love messing with points, get rid of them and put in Pertronix.

Been running them for 15 years and no problems. Have a set of points and a spare pertronix in my tool roll.

ONE LESS THING TO WORRY ABOUT.

T77911S · 08-29-2019, 03:27 AM

i liked my points on my 77.
I liked the reliability and simplicity of them.
never had to change them in the 10yrs I owned the car.

never had an issue with them, cant see why they should ever leave anyone stranded.

I always just eyeballed mine when I set them. pulled the dist, (why fitz with it down in the engine), set the points, then timing and done.

Paulporsche · 08-29-2019, 06:40 AM

Thanks everyone.

I'm a little surprised at how quickly the points seem to go out of spec. The contact surfaces can still look good but the rub block has apparently shrunk.

For those of you who have points. how often (say, how many miles)do you check the dwell to see if they are still in spec, or do you just wait until you see a performance change, as dicklague and I have been doing?