Points question
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New User
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Grand Blanc
Points question
It's been one of those days that nothing seems to be going right. I installed a new set of points and condensor in my truck tonight thinking at least I could finish my day on a good note. Tried to start the truck and nothing. Did a basic check and discovered there is no spark between the points when I turn the key on and open them them with a screwdriver. However, the is a spark between the arm of the points and the metal plate in the distributor. I can't see any bare wires. What should I check next? It's cold tonight here in Michgan and I don't want to spend any more time in the garge than I have to.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NM
Sometimes there is no electrical contact between the stationary point and the part of the points plate that it is attached to. It sounds like you have a bad set of points. Try the old one and see if it starts.
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If your ignition is really old, you may have accidentally broke a wire.
If you decide to get a new distributor, consider our custom curved Duraspark Distributor built with our new Full Length Oil Impregnated Bronze Bushing. The full length bushing improves timing stability and spark scatter. If stock appearance is not an issue, take a look at our one piece D.U.I. Distributor. Whether you choose the Duraspark or the D.U.I., we curve each on a distributor machine based on your engine combination. Please see them at:
http://www.performancedistributors.c...stributors.htm
Also, there is now an excellent installation article on the D.U.I. Distributor on the Ford-Trucks.com site at:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...d_351W_V8.html
If you decide to get a new distributor, consider our custom curved Duraspark Distributor built with our new Full Length Oil Impregnated Bronze Bushing. The full length bushing improves timing stability and spark scatter. If stock appearance is not an issue, take a look at our one piece D.U.I. Distributor. Whether you choose the Duraspark or the D.U.I., we curve each on a distributor machine based on your engine combination. Please see them at:
http://www.performancedistributors.c...stributors.htm
Also, there is now an excellent installation article on the D.U.I. Distributor on the Ford-Trucks.com site at:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...d_351W_V8.html
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Last edited by PerfDistIgnition; Dec 15, 2007 at 01:32 PM.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Originally Posted by AXracer
check the wire that goes into the distributor. It often cracks or breaks just inside the distributor housing where it's hard to see.
7RA-12216-A .. Ground Wire (Motorcraft ML-290)
There are two different sets of points used 1948/56.
Look and see if the new set matches the old set.
They look similar, but are not the same.
Last edited by NumberDummy; Dec 16, 2007 at 09:51 AM.
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 704
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It sounds like you may have gotten some grease or oil on the contacts themselves. If you have an ignition file, clean them off with that. If not, a piece of paper out of your printer (cut to fit) should do the job. If you have some electrical contact cleaner, spread the points apart and spray them off. I don't think it's the primary wire or the points wouldn't arc to the breaker plate as you described.
Lou
Lou
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