Ignition Points Tech Question

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OK it looks like it's the points. Lessons learned....

I'm not too sure that they were "learned", after trying to read all that

It does not seem to me you read this very carefully in some respects. MUCH of what you seem to have skipped boils down to POINTS RESISTANCE which I covered somewhat.

There are two ways to measure points resistance.........voltage drop across closed points with the system properly powered up, or a low resistance ohmeter with power disconnected

I don't recall seeing mention of the condenser. YOU MUST have a good condenser in a points system. If you can do no better, just get a couple and try them.

There is only so much to go wrong with a Kettering / points system.

1....Low power supply voltage, either dead battery or a circuit problem

2.....Bad coil or one going bad, or improper coil type

3......Distributor primary wire, already covered

4.....Points not closing......check points resistance

5.....Points not opening, IE improperly gapped or worn rubbing block or shaft cam

6....Worn distributor bushings, so bad that points will not open or will not close

MOST of the above can be checked easily and even "educated guess" checked with no special tools

IN FACT most of the above can be adapted somewhat to troubleshoot many electronic systems, IE a 'switching type' which basically replaced points. Those systems have many many similarities
 
Points that have cooked too long,in some cases the spring loses its tension. No closing pressure, poor connection.
Many points today incorporate a copper strap to pass the current.

As far as replacement points go, finding a close set cant be all that difficult. Finding a parts store with a buyers guide will be difficult.
Back in my parts days, Echlin had a good reference guide with pictures. Perhaps trying the antique car forums will get you closer. Will see what i can find.

Forum i joined when i was working on a 27 studebaker big 6
REO
 
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"Finding a close set" should not be necessary. If you find the "right" parts guy you can look up the distributor tag number and find the right part nu. And the "right" parts guy will know how to order 'em too.
 
Shoot me a pic of the points and condenser I have a lot of old Sorensen stuff I cannot identify I might just have them. I redo distributors and buy lots of ignitions stuff when I see stuff I need for the older 50's mopars. Seriously I have a ton of stuff!

Great, thanks ! Pertronix is setting me up with electronic ignition for it which I'm cautiously psyched about. I'd still like to find points for it to keep as a backup though. Thanks in-advance for looking. I'll take 'em if you have 'em. In-addition to what's pictured there is a separate threaded "stud" with the other contact on it.

DSCN0569.JPG
 
Points that have cooked too long,in some cases the spring loses its tension. No closing pressure, poor connection.
Many points today incorporate a copper strap to pass the current.

As far as replacement points go, finding a close set cant be all that difficult. Finding a parts store with a buyers guide will be difficult.
Back in my parts days, Echlin had a good reference guide with pictures. Perhaps trying the antique car forums will get you closer. Will see what i can find.

Forum i joined when i was working on a 27 studebaker big 6
REO

Thank you, that forum looks great. I had my parts days too, about 10 years in Chrysler parts
 
Pertronix electronic conversion worked very well. Reo is running good. Thanks again to everyone for your time and help
 
That's really cool that Pertronix set you up with an electronic conversion for something so old!
 
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