Points Gap Keeps Closing
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 116
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Points Gap Keeps Closing
I have a 1970 f100 302. Just rebuilt it about 2000 miles ago. Replaced points and points plate. I have had to adjust the points several times. I get the gap set to. 017 and it runs like a scalded dog for about 500 miles or so. Then it starts running rough and sometimes will not start. When I remove the distributor cap I can see that the points have closed up. What am I don't wrong. Any suggestions?
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
What brand? El-cheapo points do this, because the rubbing block is made with recycled shipping peanuts (norwegian popcorn) and bubble wrap.
Install a set of good ole' Motorcraft or Autolite from back in the day, and you'll likely be OK. There's a fellow on eBay who has a bunch of them for not too much money.
Beware el-cheapo condensers as well.
Install a set of good ole' Motorcraft or Autolite from back in the day, and you'll likely be OK. There's a fellow on eBay who has a bunch of them for not too much money.
Beware el-cheapo condensers as well.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,928
Likes: 275
You are lubricating the cam, right?
Drop a Pertronix set-up in there and never look back.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/pnx-1281/overview/
Drop a Pertronix set-up in there and never look back.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/pnx-1281/overview/
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: On the Edge of the Desert
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Logistics Pro
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Tuned
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 466
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From: Albuquerque, NM
I was having the same issue. Truck would drive fine when parked. Started the next morning and would run really rough. Each time I checked the points gap and they were just about closed. Truck kept doing this until I changed the points for another set I kept with me. No problems since. I don't know what caused the old points to keep closing in the first place.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 567
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From: Vancouver, WA
WITH THE LACK OF QUALITY OF AFTER MARKET PARTS YOU NEED TO LOOK AT ALL OPTIONS. CHEAP IS NOT THE WAY TO GO FOR LONGEVITY.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
THANKS!
Thanks for all the great advice. I got these from a bus mechanic friend who had a stock from when the school busses ran points. Not sure what brand they are. I am going to change to pertronix, but on a tight budget right now. Guess I'll just keep the feeler gauges in my pocket till I can do better! Thanks again!
