Ultimate Underhood Retro: Ignition Points – UnderhoodService

Ultimate Underhood Retro: Ignition Points

The ignition contact points that conduct the battery voltage are typically made of tungsten, and can be slowly eroded by the spark. The contact pad that rides on the shaft of the distributor can wear and change the dwell. The spring can lose tension over time and even break. Most point systems could not go past 4,000 RPM without the timing becoming unstable due to the arm bouncing on the distributor shaft.

There are not too many vehicles with ignition systems that use ignition points. Most point ignition systems were abandoned by auto manufacturers beginning in the early 1970s as emission requirements started to change. The EPA changes called for a higher energy spark that would stay within specifications for more than 5,000 miles.

The primary problem with points is that they wear out. The contact points that conduct the battery voltage are typically made of tungsten, and can be slowly eroded by the spark. The contact pad that rides on the shaft of the distributor can wear and change the dwell. Also, the spring can lose tension over time and even break. Most point systems could not go past 4,000 RPM without the timing becoming unstable due to the arm bouncing on the distributor shaft.

The good thing about points was that they were adjustable. A technician with a set of feeler gauges (maybe a matchbook cover) and a dwell meter could tune the system. This is the reason they survived in marine applications until the 1980s.  

You May Also Like

Tools To Service Serpentine Belts

Servicing the serpentine belt on some vehicles is a tough task.

Servicing the serpentine belt on some vehicles is a tough task. Without the right tools it is almost impossible. Here are six tools your shop needs to make your next belt replacement more productive.

Don’t Fight It
If you are still fighting belt tensioners with 3/8” breaker bar and wrenches, there are better solutions. There are serpentine belt kits that can help you get the right angle and attachment point on a tensioner to remove the old belt and install the new belt.

Battery Charging and Diagnostics

Here are six tips to use when diagnosing a vehicle with a dead battery. 

Why Do Timing Chains Stretch?

As the timing chain wears, it can change the timing of the camshaft and crankshaft.

Carbon Deposits and Direct Injection Engines

The primary cause of these problems is that fuel and added detergents are not hitting the back of the intake valves.

Acura Turbo Engine Service

It is important to check the operation of the solenoids that control vacuum to the actuators.

Other Posts

Diesel Air Filter Replacement

Here are some diesel air filter replacement tips in order to keep these vehicles running as intended.

Deciphering Engine Misfire Codes

When the fuel/air mixture ignites, many factors must be met to pass a misfire monitor.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement

There are three major reasons to replace a cabin air filter in the winter.

Mayhew Tools Introduces Spark Plug Thread Chaser

This tool is made in USA and is backed by a lifetime warranty.