Contact Points

finfont

Member
A question for those more enlightened than myself in auto electrics: Does the function of distributor contact points degenerate over time such that they don't work as well after wear and time as when new, or, is it a case of either they work or they don't? Thanks in advance.
 
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Yes they degrade. The contacts can mis align, get burned and dirty from a bad condenser, and pitted. The heel pad that runs on the cam can wear.
If in doubt change them and the condenser, but buy quality products otherwise you will return to the job very quickly.

Reconditioned Lucas distributors, rebuilt Lucas distributors, recurved Lucas distributors from Distributor Doctor
Thank you for the response! I recently bought a new set of points from one of the better known P6 dealers, and, they were of extremely poor quality. I suspect that they were of Chinese origin. The reason that I asked this question is that I then bought a set from another source, who came highly recommended. The points that they sent are old Lucas points of very good quality, but, they appear to be used, not NOS. It doesn't seem reasonable to me to replace used points with another set of used points. Thanks, again for your help.
 
Best thing you can do with points systems is convert to an electronic triggering system to vastly reduce the current load on the points - there are several reputable brands of these around. This will extend the life of the points a lot. Set the points using a dwell meter, as the V8 dizzys have external adjustment while running.
 
Best thing you can do with points systems is convert to an electronic triggering system to vastly reduce the current load on the points - there are several reputable brands of these around. This will extend the life of the points a lot. Set the points using a dwell meter, as the V8 dizzys have external adjustment while running.
That is a good idea. Thank you for bringing it up.
 
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