replacing Points

wwdaze · Veteran Member

replacing Points

59poncho · Poncho Master!

i was going to ask the same thing!! i need to do mine as well.

1965CS · Guru

It should be a fairly easy process. Install the points and set the gap at the high point on the cam, points open, to specs. Mount the condenser and connections. If the cap has a trap door you can then set the dwell reading while it is running for fine tuning.

427carl · A Poncho Legend!

yes! do it ,as he said .... he is correct! biggrin

65Camino · Uber Guru

If not I used to grab a match book to set up my points gap.

gparis7 · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

If it's a six cylinder , you'll have to set the gap with the distributor cap off in the manner described by 1965CS. If it's a V8 , you can install and and then set up the gap with a feeler gauge just as for the 6 cylinder.

However for the V8 with the window in the distributor cap, this is often not necessary as the car will usually run as soon as you install the points, as they are preset. Assuming the car starts & runs on the factory preset, you can then fine tune the the gap while the vehicle is running, using an allen key to turn the screw in clockwise until the engine stumbles, then backing the screw out half a turn of the allen key. Or you can attach a dwell meter and set it up until the point gap is between .028 & .032 degrees for V8s, and between 31 & 34 degrees for most 6 cylinders.

I've never had any trouble in doing it either of these ways.

Astro Jet · Poncho Master!

I think it should be mentioned that all of this is a lot easier if one has a dwell meter and a timing light? Timing will most likely be off a bit after changing the points, but it's good to check it then anyways. I bought mine at Crappy Tire 30 years ago, do they even sell that stuff any more? confused

The only thing I see there now are OBDII readers.

Canadian Poncho · A Poncho Legend!

You might find one at princess auto..

Ghost Post · Poncho Master!

I quit using them about 25 years ago and just set timing where I had a bit of pinging under load then knocked it back it bit from there..
Always used the exact same gapper tool as 65 Camino too!.

Canadian Poncho · A Poncho Legend!

Of course you could always switch to a Pertronix point eliminator kit. I did this on a Triumph Spitfire and it made a big difference in idle quality and on starting..Super easy to install.

Taylor55 · Poncho Master!

When setting the points with a dwell meter set them on the tighter side of the adjustment. Eg 28-32 degrees set them at 28 and they will last longer as they will wear to 32 degrees. Al