Dual point issue 1966 273 commando (SOLVED)

[Capt46]

Hi Bill here,
Have a question maybe the great wizards can help,
1966 273 commando dual point distributer
I noticed that it does not have the ground wire from plate to points. (LOOKS BROKEN OFF)
Also condenser position which side does the wire go? And if it matters?
Here is the situation, everything new as follows
1. New coil
2. New ballast resistor
3. New points and condenser
Only getting spark from one side (PASS) gap at 17 on open lobe from cam on dist.
But when I touch the gap with a screwdriver grounding it to the distributer with key on points that are not arcing spark? Thinking the ground wire?
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you Bill -Capt46

 

[toolmanmike]

@halifaxhops may be able to help. You do need a ground strap between the breaker plate and the housing. Let me see if I can find a photo.

 

[Capt46]

Yes, does it have to be soldered or can I drill a small hole and put a screw in the plate? Special wire?

 

[toolmanmike]

 

[toolmanmike]

Sorry, bad photo but there should be a ground wire (braided copper seen in about the 4 and 5 o'clock position in the photo)

 

[Capt46]

Yes missing lower right is that the cause? Or likely the cause?

 

[Capt46]

Thanks Mike

 

[Capt46]

Picture helpful I have the condenser on opposite set of points

 

[67Dart273]

Condenser connection does not matter which side, you MUST have that ground braid, as the dual points have a ball bearing in the plate, which is a poor ground

 

[Capt46]

Ok can that be purchased?

 

[Capt46]

Best way to attach? Thanks again

 

[toolmanmike]

Hold on for @halifaxhops , he has parts and maybe has one for you.

 

[Capt46]

Great thanks again over and over.kinda stumped why only one side has spark only guess would be the ground.

 

[KitCarlson]

I have used solder wick as braid. It is used to wick solder from electronics parts. It is copper, but has non corrosive flux that can be removed with alcohol. It is available in different sizes, small and fine is just like original.

 

[Capt46]

Thank you KitCarlson, was just searching Home Depot online and saw it, going to give it a shot after Halifaxhops gives me the best options for attaching to plate hope to drill add eyelets to breaker plate.

 

[67Dart273]

I have used solder wick as braid. It is used to wick solder from electronics parts. It is copper, but has non corrosive flux that can be removed with alcohol. It is available in different sizes, small and fine is just like original.

View attachment 1715139969

Count on Dave to come up with an outstanding idea!! WHAT did I do with that roll of...................

 

[Capt46]

Lmao

 

[pishta]

That solder wick has flux on it? I always add it...

 

[KitCarlson]

On attachment of braid, there are a few options. Spot welding or soldering, results in soft copper near joint. Copper work hardens when bent. After bending many times, it becomes brittle and fractures. That is one reason why we are fixing.
Properly crimping on small terminals, using small screws. There might even be screw locations, at condenser, base plate mount where the braid could be carefully pinched at each end.

The whole idea of dual points is to extend the dwell period at high RPM. One set makes, the other breaks for spark. They are offset on different lobes, so they can work better than a single point riding the cam.

Electronic means dwell, and timing control is great .... a long story for another day.

 

[halifaxhops]

LOL I use the solder wick also! That's what it needs to ground because of the ball bearing, drill out the old terminal end on the small hold down tab from the bottom of the plate, make the lead up, don't crimp a eye on solder it and do take the plastic off the barrel if that is what you have Get the right size river and set it in then reassemble you will be fine then.

 

[Capt46]

Thanks all, will make another attempt as informed.

 

[halifaxhops]

Try to get the rivets in brass if you can if not but dialectric compound on it before setting it.

 

[Capt46]

10-4

 

[Capt46]

Running like a top.... thank you halifaxhops