Author Topic: Points life -Solved!  (Read 7522 times)

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edthetermite

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on: September 19, 2013, 09:06:01 pm
I have going on 19000 miles on the original set of points. But I think they are worn out from what I can tell. I am having to adjust the foot plate such that the rub block is no longer in contact with the timing shaft (at lowest point on lobe) to get the points to mate properly. Of course this detracts from your high side opening clearance.
I was wondering what others have gotten out of a set of points?
« Last Edit: September 25, 2013, 12:42:34 pm by edthetermite »
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mrunderhill1975a

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Reply #1 on: September 19, 2013, 09:20:42 pm
I usually change the points every 4000 miles or so.


ace.cafe

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Reply #2 on: September 19, 2013, 09:22:00 pm
On most British cars with Lucas points, it's recommended to change at every minor tune-up, which normally is about 6000 mile intervals.
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edthetermite

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Reply #3 on: September 19, 2013, 09:45:42 pm
Uh, jeepers, I guess mine served me well.
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GreenMachine

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Reply #4 on: September 19, 2013, 10:07:55 pm
Mine have just under 11k...It appears I have 8k to go...The rubber block is wearing a bit on mine, I "do try" to remember to grease the small felt twice a year. Not even sure if that does much in way of wear but its there.. Been washing the outside windows and finding dead stink bugs that were hiding from last year..The points will have wait.  ;D
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cyrusb

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Reply #5 on: September 19, 2013, 10:41:08 pm
There should be clearance under the rubbing block when the points are closed. If not , how would they close ? I have quite a bit like, .062 on mine. If they are still conducting I don't can points until they can't open to the gap anymore.
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Chasfield

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Reply #6 on: September 20, 2013, 12:06:11 pm
New ones have a springier spring to close them so, in theory, they shut faster and give more dwell time at high revs.
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cyrusb

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Reply #7 on: September 20, 2013, 01:53:48 pm
Aside from the point maint, it pays to lube up the advance unit. I have drilled a 1/2" access hole in my plate to inspect/oil, without pulling the plate.(edit) Although I think if you have the stock plate just pulling the condenser will open up a window.
« Last Edit: September 20, 2013, 03:41:36 pm by cyrusb »
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GreenMachine

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Reply #8 on: September 20, 2013, 03:54:34 pm
I've seen points without their lobe (the parts that u can dress up with a file) completely gone and still working..I have a spare set somewhere in all those nf gear boxes up top..I'll remove the cap as u suggested and squirt a bit of oil in there for the advance unit before I store it for the winter..GM
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edthetermite

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Reply #9 on: September 21, 2013, 02:17:07 pm
I could be doing something wrong as that has happened to me before in life. The points are not reliably mating (making contact) so I have had to adjust the plate by moving it to the left referencing the slot. Lock it down and it looks OK using a bulb between battery & points. But when I try to start the bike after a couple kicks I no longer get the ammeter needle deflection.
This all started after the bike lost power out on the road. I have checked everything else (compression, plug, air, fuel, etc) and the weak spark looks to be points related.



There should be clearance under the rubbing block when the points are closed. If not , how would they close ? I have quite a bit like, .062 on mine. If they are still conducting I don't can points until they can't open to the gap anymore.
Ed   - Long Live the Iron Barrel !!!!

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cyrusb

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Reply #10 on: September 21, 2013, 02:29:43 pm
Well, if they are closing, then your well used points are not conducting anymore. Once the silver plating is gone, that is what happens. At 19000 miles you must have some kind of world record, and a very good condenser! I,d say You got all of those points. Something else you have to keep in mind while we wear our points out to the nub, is the effect on timing. Even though you can adjust them to get the proper lift, as the rubbing block wears, this may happen at a different time, depending on the geometry.
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Reply #11 on: September 22, 2013, 05:11:29 am
As the block wears the timing retards.  So timing must be checked and adjusted after resetting the gap.
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edthetermite

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Reply #12 on: September 23, 2013, 02:49:49 pm
Still struggling to get bike running. I have noticed that if I hot wire the battery straight to the points I get a much stronger spark w/o as much yellow coloration. I think there might be some unwanted resistance/partial ground in the wiring to the ignition switch/kill switch circuit. I need to back up and eliminate timing as a problem first. I had 110 psi on compression check. Different coil & plug has made no change; points look okay as far as surface condition and I now have them adjusted where a reliable mating is occurring (ammeter deflection w/ each kick).
 
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GreenMachine

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Reply #13 on: September 23, 2013, 04:27:39 pm
Was the bike not starting or running rough when u decided to change the points or were you figuring it was time with 19k on the set? Where the original points badly pitted (sign that the cap is bad). You could checked its operation with your meter but would need a capacitance meter to actually see its true value between .18 -.25 mfd. I'm assuming u removed your plug, had the piston at just "before TDC "to check and see that your points where just starting to open and then adjusted with a feeler gauge .015 when at the height of TDC...That should get u in the ballpark and the bike started unless their is another issue like a weak battery, defective coil, or as you suggested another wiring issue related to High Voltage generation to the plug.. I think the timing is 8mm before TDC...Hope that helps you and once u dial it in you'll be good to go for another 19k...
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Blltrdr

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Reply #14 on: September 23, 2013, 04:38:01 pm
Timing is .8 mm (1/32") BTDC
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