Points and sparkage

[Guest]

So I've been reading alot about points, battery, coils and condensors. My question is can your timing be so far off that you get no spark on the plugs? Thanks.

[tkent02]

The points gap can be so far off there's no spark.

[Big T]

Yes, it can

But, what's your real question?

No spark?

New points and condensors?

[ikantbreave]

Well, I had no spark on one side with original points and coils. The points looked well worn so I got some new points and some new to me coils on the cheap. Changed the coils, new plug caps after snipping 1/4 inch off, made sure battery was about 13.4V, put the points on, not really understanding the point gap thing. Been trying but no spark. Working on getting the gap concept correct now. Oh and I'm changing out the wires from the coils to the points plate because I found a break in the insulation near the starter.

[ikantbreave]

Okie doke. So I changed out the two wires to the points plate, tried to gap the points according to the clear as mud instructions in the Clymer manual and still no spark. I think the timing is still way off due to the seemingly large gap on the right side when it's actually turning over. But I had to get away from it for a little bit. I'll give it another go when I get home from work. Any suggestions or points gapping tips are well appreciated.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

From the collection on my little website:

Points Timing

Mr. earlfor gives us some insight into timing the points ignition. Perhaps it will help you.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[ikantbreave]

Maybe just maybe my problem has been that I am merging the timing and points gap and trying to do them both at them same time confusing myself. One step at a time...

[Big T]

Gap the left points, then the right

Time the left points, then the right by moving their respective plates,not the points gap

Did you replace the condensors as well? That may be why you don't have spark

[ikantbreave]

Thanks BigT. No, I didn't replace them just yet and if I gap them properly and no spark, I'll go get some.

[Big T]

Well, the best non physics description I can give you is that the condensors "prevent" the spark at the points, allowing the electricity to go to the coils and trigger them.

Condensors go bad over time, so replacement is mandatory

[ikantbreave]

So once again another lesson on listening rather than banging my head on the wall...

When I get new condensors are they pretty universal? I bought a set of points and condensors on eBay a while back that the points were wrong. The condensors are smaller than the ones on my coils and I was thinking of doing BassCliff's coil repair to change them out. Should that work?

Thanks again, BigT.

[Big T]

Size isn't important, but the rating is

Another good reason to buy from a dealer and avoid Ebay for stuff like this.

But, try them out and see what happens. It's not like you can send them back.

Also, see if a condensor off some old car (60's chevy 350 or Ford 302) will fit in there for future reference