how do you change distributor points?

[jhaas63]

This spring, I want do a full tuneup on my 53 f100. Its got the flathead and I have no idea when the last tuneup was done. It runs real well but I have noticed the plugs look old and the plug wires are cracked in spots...it's probably time. I am figuring the distributor points probably should be changed as well. I have never changed points. Can someone here walk me through doing it?

[Mac VP]

This is a pretty simple job. Take a pic (or make a sketch) of the inside od the distr in case you are unsure. Disconnect the neg cable from your battery.

Unsnap the two clips to release the distr cap. Leave the wires on the cap. Push it to the side. Pull the black plastic rotor straight up to remove it. There should be a small spring clip to keep it tight on the end of the distr shaft. Save this clip. It usually remains on the shaft but could have stuck in the underside of the rotor.

There are small screws that attach the points and the condenser to the distr plate. Use a magnetic tip screwdriver to remove these so they don't get dropped and lost.

The points have a post for the wires from the condenser and the coil. Loosen the nut to disconnect these wires. Remove the points and condenser.

Before you install the new points, clean the actual point contact pads. Contact cleaner works. You can put some lacquer thinner on a piece of clean paper and drag it between the points. Also, wipe the distr 8 sided cam to remove old grease and dirt. Apply a THIN film of fresh cam lube.

Re-attach the wires to the post on the points. Make sure this is tight. Position the points and condenser. Secure the screw on the condenser bracket tight. Leave the points screws slightly loose for now.

You should be able to grasp the front crankshaft pulley and rotate the engine (clockwise). You want to rotate the engine which will turn the distr. the idea is to get the little rubbing block of the points set to be sitting on the highest side of one of the 8 cam lobes. This will be the normal maximum opening of the points.

This is where you "adjust" the points. You will need a set of flat "blade" type feeler gauges. This distr calls for .014 to .016" gap. Select this gauge and wipe it clean with something like brake clean or lacquer thinner. Place the gauge bwtween the points contacts....they may be open or closed. With the gauge in place, adjust the slotted end of the points set with a screwdriver until the feeler gauge can move in the contacts. You want a slight drag on the gauge. Tighten the two screws securing the points. Recheck the gap again. If its not correct, repeat the setting process. Keep that feeler clean....dont let oil from your fingers get in the contacts.

Make sure the little spring clip is back on the top of the distr shaft. Replace the rotor (a new one is best). Inspect the inside of the distr cap for cracks, or for carbon tracks between the terminals inside. If all looks good you can replace the cap with its spark plug wires, securing it with the two snap clips.

If you decide to replace the cap and wires, do this by positioning the new cap next to the old. Have your replacement wires ready, and replace them one at a time. When all are replaced, remove the old cap and any old plug wires.

Reconnect your battery cable. Check to make sure you've removed any stray rags, tools, old plug wires, etc. if you did everything right, you should be able to start the engine.

If I've missed anything, others will chime in.

[jhaas63]

Wow. Thank you sir. It appears I have come to the right place!

[HP Hunter]

Excellent advice up there, I would say disregard it and get over to pointless ingnition. Points are out nowadays. Much easier tuning, hotter spark.

Harry P Hunter

[40standard]

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