Posted 16 November 2005 - 09:57 PM
how to change points (if not sore take photos before starting then u have something to go by if it goes a bit pete tong)
Remove the ignition shield, where fitted. Remove the distributor cap and rotor arm and examine the distributor points.
Points which are worn or badly burned should be renewed. If contact breaker points are badly worn and have a 'blue' appearance then it is likely that the condenser needs replacing.
In most cases it will be more expedient to fit new contact breaker points rather than attempt to clean up the existing ones.
To renew the points, first remove the nut from the top of the terminal post and lift off the top insulating bush and both electrical leads. Remove the screw, spring and plain washer securing the contact set to the base plate and lift out the contact set. Take great care to ensure that none of the components are dropped down inside the distributor body as, if this happens, the distributor must be removed to retrieve them.
Before installing the new contact set, clean out the inside of the distributor thoroughly. Wipe clean the contact surface on the breaker cam. Also wipe clean the contact faces of the points on the new set as these are normally coated with preservative. Methylated spirits is ideal for this purpose. Do not use petrol, as this is oil-based.
Position the new contact set on the base plate and secure with the locking screw and washers. Tighten the screw only lightly at this stage. Locate the condenser and LT lead terminals onto the top insulating bush and fit the bush over the terminal post so that the terminals make contact with the breaker arm spring. Refit the retaining nut and tighten securely.
Ensure that the lead terminals are properly positioned so that they are insulated from the terminal post.
Lubricate the distributor cam, cam spindle and points pivot as detailed above.
Check that the contact face of the fixed and moving contacts are parallel to each other, aligning them correctly if necessary.
Turn the engine over by hand until the rubbing block on the breaker arm is resting on the top of the cam lobe. Adjust the position of the fixed contact by moving the contact breaker bracket until the specified gap of 0.014 0.016 in (0.35 - 0.40 mm) is obtained between the contact points.
The fixed contact bracket can be moved by inserting a screwdriver into the notched hole at the opposite side of the plate and turning the screwdriver clockwise to decrease the gap, or anti-clockwise to increase the gap. The feeler gauge should be a neat sliding fit between the contacts.
When fitting new points it is advisable to set the gap to 0.019 in (0.48 mm) to allow for initial bedding in of rubbing block.
When the gap is correct, tighten the locking screw. Turn the engine over until the rubbing block is on the opposite cam (180') and recheck the clearance.
After fitting new points or adjusting the points gap, the dwell angle and ignition timing should be checked
Before u refit the cap
Thoroughly clean the distributor cap, inside and out, with a clean cloth, paying particular attention to the spaces between the metal electrodes inside the cap. Check that the electrodes are not excessively eroded, and that there are no signs of tracking. Tracking is visible as hairlines on the surface of the cap and is caused by the HT voltage shorting between the electrodes or the central brush and an electrode. Once tracking is present it cannot be eliminated and the cap must be discarded. Also check that the small carbon brush in the centre of the cap is undamaged.
Similarly, clean the rotor arm and inspect for damage or excessive erosion of the electrode. Also check that the rotor is a neat sliding fit on the distributor spindle without excessive side-play.
Clean the outside surface of the central tower on the ignition coil and check for signs of damage or tracking.
Wipe all grease and dirt from the HT leads and check the leads for signs of cracking, chafing, etc. Ensure that all connections at the spark plugs, ignition coil and distributor cap are secure, and the moisture seals at each end of the HT leads are firmly in place.
