points burning out on the Model A distributer
 

How do I stop contact points burning out on the Model A distributer?

Re: points burning out on the Model A distributer
 

Des,
Swap out your condenser, that could be it.
Pete

Re: points burning out on the Model A distributer
 

Do you have the right coil. Some coils require a ballast resistor to prevent the points from frying, that is if you have gone away from an original six volt coil.

Re: points burning out on the Model A distributer
 

My points were burning blue within minutes.

Turned out to be the powerhouse overcharging.

Re: points burning out on the Model A distributer
 

Without a condenser operating properly, points will not last but a few minutes.

Re: points burning out on the Model A distributer
 

ditto condensor

Re: points burning out on the Model A distributer
 

A bad or loose connection at the battery cable will cause a voltage spike and burn out the points , I've had it happen .

Re: points burning out on the Model A distributer
 

My points are lasting a coupe hundred miles, before they burn out. B distributor with a 6V system charging at 7 amps, I run parking lights while driving. I have 1.5 ohm resistor on incoming side.

Since I added the resistor it takes longer for the points to burn out. I also burn out brake lights unexpectedly.

I have checked all the connections from the starter through the ignition switch and amp meter to the distributor. I haven't checked the positive ground from the frame to the battery yet. But if that was loose, why would it turn over?

I run the diode for my cutout.

Re: points burning out on the Model A distributer
 

The whole purpose of the condenser is to act as a buffer for the counter emf of the coil, and protect the points from arcing and burning. As the points open, the surge of current needs a place to go, and the condenser absorbs this charge. Therefore, the value of the condenser needs to match the coils output pretty close. If the condenser is weak, or if the coil is not correct, the life of the points is negatively affected.

Condensers do go bad a lot more often than coils, so start there .

Re: points burning out on the Model A distributer
 

Ok, I'll give that a shot.

Re: points burning out on the Model A distributer
 

Burning out brake lights would make me think a poor battery connection causing the generator voltage to spike like Purdy said back in 2012.



Have you burned out any more bulbs since going through your wiring? I would definitely check out your battery ground.

Re: points burning out on the Model A distributer
 

how long do they last before they're pitted/burnt out? Some of the "modern" type points in particular are poor quality and seem to last only 2000 miles or so whatever.

Re: points burning out on the Model A distributer
 

John, my points are lasting about 200 miles. I'm using NOS model B point sets.

I will try a condenser, and look at my ground connection as Ryan suggests.

The only reason I didn't consider the ground was because it starts easily. Wouldn't it turn over slow if I had a poor ground?

Re: points burning out on the Model A distributer
 

Sometimes a slightly loose ground connection will make good enough connection to work , other times it may not .

Re: points burning out on the Model A distributer
 

Not much info to work with.
6v or 12v ? If 12v then look at the coil, make sure its a 3ohm or has a ballast resistor.
There shouldn't be more than 8v to the points.

A loose connection can cause the generator 'runaway' and put out about 30v.

As the others said, good info.

Re: points burning out on the Model A distributer
 

These threads get so confusing we people hijack 7 year old threads. Need to start a new thread.

Re: points burning out on the Model A distributer
 

Yes I see, I was trying to do the opposite and not create a new thread with the same subject.

Re: points burning out on the Model A distributer
 

I like what you did, shows you have already taken the initiative and done some research.


Let us know what you find using all of the info in this thread, new and old info.

Re: points burning out on the Model A distributer
 

Oopps, I missed the date.

Re: points burning out on the Model A distributer
 

My best guess is that the points and or condenser case do not have a low resistance ground path back to the battery. Resistance should be 5 Ohms or less. I use jumpers to get the ground path resistance to 2 Ohms or less.