8 replies to this topic

[mini-obsessive]

Hi all, i have a 1985 mini 1000 which would not start this morning.
i currently have issues with my points and i am guessing that that is the problem again at the moment even though they were only replaced 3 weeks ago!

Can anybody please explain how you change points

Thank you

[Retro_10s]

What leads you to believe it's the points that are the problem and not something else causing them to die?

Did you change the Condensor with the points, or did you leave the old one on?

[mini-obsessive]

the points are the bain of my life on my car.. i have had the car a year and they have gone 3 times in that time. The first time i replaced the points, leads, cap and rotary arm and condenser.. 3 weeks ago it was points and condenser that were replaced with new.

I am only guessing its the points but seems to be having same problems as last 2 times.. engine ticking over nicely, no go!!

Worth mentioning that coil was also replaced 8 months ago with new

[lrostoke]

When I first got my mini, was forever adjusting the points seemed to have a mind of there own, I converted to electronic ignition, same dizzy just ditched the points. 2 yrs now no problems .

[mini-obsessive]

Yeah i have been advised to replace with electronic kit and was going to 2 weeks ago but then had a £300 MOT bill to foot so couldnt afford it..
Problem now is that i have the money but i couldnt get it to a garage if i wanted to.. and its my everyday car so i need to get it sorted tonight

[lrostoke]

firstly on this occasion are you sure its the points, weathers pretty damp, have you tried completely drying all the ht leads, coil, dizzy cap inside and out.


If you can remove the dizzy cap while somebody turns the engine over on the key watch the points to see if they are sparking, if they are chances are they are ok.

Edited by lrostoke, 27 January 2009 - 05:14 PM.

[dklawson]

Points wear and close up. They also can slip on the breaker plate. The heel block that rubs the squarish cam lobe in the distributor can also wear... allowing the points to close. Don't assume your points are worn out and need to be replaced. You can file/sand them smooth and reset them a few times before replacing them.

I don't want to go into the details of how to remove, replace, and set points. It should be in your manual. If not, read this web site:
http://type2.com/bartnik/points.htm
This is an air-cooled VW web site. Don't worry about that. The basics are the same.

[mini-obsessive]

finally got car going.. YAY!! checked to see if points were sparking and they were... literally dried everything and put some DW40 around cap etc. Feel stupid now as was the easiest thing and have been checking everything else but all day lol

Thanks for your help guys!

[lrostoke]

don't go spraying wd40 all over it though, its sticky and attracts dirt, which will lead to more sparking problems, best solution is to keep it dry, and fit an engine cover.