There are two ways you can go about converting from points to electronic ignition – you can install a factory electronic system that replaces the factory points and distributor, or you can install an aftermarket high-performance system with parts and components from various manufacturers.
How do you clean points on a distributor?
Step 4: Use Contact Cleaner- Spray some contact cleaner on the internal contacts of the distributor cap. Step 5: Dry Out- If you have a compressed air source, apply the compressed air through the cap. This will help it to dry faster. You can also use a clean rug and carefully rub it until the cap is completely dry.
How do you get rid of ignition points?
There are two ways you can go about converting from points to electronic ignition – you can install a factory electronic system that replaces the factory points and distributor , or you can install an aftermarket high-performance system with parts and components from various manufacturers.
How long do distributor points last?
In general, you can expect your points and condenser to last around 15,000 miles or so . However, there are many mitigating factors here, including how frequently you turn the engine on and off, how much driving you do and other elements.
How do you reset a distributor?
- Engine misfires. Engine misfires can occur for a number of reasons. ...
- Car doesn’t start. ...
- Check Engine Light comes on. ...
- Excessive or unusual engine noises.
What replaced points in a distributor?
The distributor shaft has a cam that operates the contact breaker (also called points). Opening the points causes a high induction voltage in the system’s ignition coil. ... Around the 1970s the primary breaker points were largely replaced with a Hall effect sensor or optical sensor .
Should points be open or closed at TDC?
Theoretically, the points should be just in the process of going from closed to open at #1 TDC . However, it is of no consequence. The timing light is used to adjust that. if you watch the points while you rotate the distributor body, you will see that you can make the points open OR close just be rotating the housing.
How do I check my distributor points?
Put the metal part of a screwdriver against the metal of the plug wire. Place the metal screwdriver near the electrode of the distributor. It should not touch the electrode. Step away from the hood and have someone watch the arc while the ignition is turned on.
HOW DO points work in a distributor?
As the engine rotates, the distributor shaft cam turns until the high point on the cam causes the breaker points
How do you adjust the points on a distributor?
In short, either too wide or narrow a point gap will cause a misfire under load . I recommend setting your point gap with a feeler gauge and fine tuning with a dwell meter.
What are the signs of a bad distributor?
- Engine misfires. Engine misfires can occur for a number of reasons. ...
- Car doesn’t start. ...
- Check Engine Light comes on. ...
- Excessive or unusual engine noises.
How do you test a distributor?
Put the metal part of a screwdriver against the metal of the plug wire. Place the metal screwdriver near the electrode of the distributor. It should not touch the electrode. Step away from the hood and have someone watch the arc while the ignition is turned on.
What happens if your distributor timing is off?
When any changes are made to the engine of a car, the ignition timing is adjusted accordingly . If not, you could experience several problems with your engine with improper ignition timing like knocking, hard to start, increase fuel usage, overheating, and reduced power.
What happens when a distributor condenser goes bad?
A failing points and condenser system can cause rough running, misfires, lean and rich conditions . ... If your vehicle runs rough, the engine will not fire, or the vehicle will not start at all, it may the points and condenser system that is the issue.
What gap should points be set at?
The Haynes manual recommends a point gap of . 016-. 020 inches for engines used in the P1800.
Does HEI distributor have points?
The HEI distributor is still an inductive-discharge ignition, but exchanges points for an electronic device called a module. Since this system produces more voltage and amperage output than a point-type ignition, it requires a larger-diameter cap to prevent voltage crossfire inside the distributor cap.
