The Ford Barn

JRN1967 · 07-02-2018, 06:33 AM

Yesterday, my wife and I were out on a short jaunt with my 30 coupe, I was climbing a steep hill and the engine just went flat. Then quit.

It was in the mid 90's here in Central Mass, and was by far the hottest day I've ever had the car out. With no traffic I quickly did a three point turn and coasted off to a shady spot.

I pulled the distributor cap and had my wife spin the engine over. I could see the points were stuck open and not moving. I have a 32 model B distributor.

With only my key chain as a tool I moved the points open and closed but they were stiff and wouldn't spring back closed. I used oil from the dipstick to try to free up the post that the points pivot on. Eventually the points started moving again. After it cooled down I was able to get it started and drive back home.

Has anyone ever experienced stuck points before? I think it was brought on by the heat? Can anyone suggest a well made set of points for a B distributor?

Thanks,
John

ryanheacox · 07-02-2018, 10:09 AM

Can't say I've had that exact issue before or that I'm familiar with the B distributor but I can sympathize.

Was heading back from Springfield a couple years ago when I had some points trouble. Just a worn down rubbing block but still it was no fun in the 85 degree heat in a Seersucker suit.

Good luck! Hopefully someone else can chime in with more help

J Franklin · 07-02-2018, 10:57 AM

A bit of fine sandpaper will clean up the post. Check the spring tension when reinstalling.

Tom Wesenberg · 07-02-2018, 12:17 PM

A drop of oil on the movable points arm post should be part of everyone's lubrication schedule.
Also lube the cam rubbing block.

Ed in Maine · 07-02-2018, 01:58 PM

Hello JRN, I have a 32 Model B and like you had to make that fast turn off so that I wasn't left out in the middle of the road. It is amazing how fast you can find a parking spot when you are just coasting with a dead engine! The car started to stumble and would run worse when I stepped on the gas. The problem wasn't the same as yours but it was points related. I knew it had to be point gap and didn't bother with the feeler gauge, just opened the points up about 3/4 turn. The car started right up and got the car back home. After you have cleaned the post the points are mounted on, use a high temperature grease and I think you will be good to go. Ed

JRN1967 · 07-03-2018, 06:59 PM

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Thanks all for the advice. I took the points off and cleaned the post up with some emory cloth. Then i lubed the post and rubbing block. I drove it a few miles and all seems good.

I'm still trying to locate a set of original style Model B points. I know Renner's Corner will take my upper plate and convert it to a modern points. But then I wouldn't be able to drive my car until I got my plate back. I see there's a lot of vendors who sell Model A modern point plates, but none for the B style.

John

J Franklin · 07-04-2018, 11:01 AM

I had a friend that modified the a points by removing the post he said they work fine.

JRN1967 · 07-05-2018, 09:13 AM

Thanks J. I'll look into that idea.

Bob C · 07-05-2018, 09:47 AM

There is four sets of B points on epay right now. https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw...pg=50&_fosrp=1

Bob

JRN1967 · 07-05-2018, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob C

There is four sets of B points on epay right now. https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw...pg=50&_fosrp=1

Bob

I just bought two sets part# B-12199

Thank you

07-02-2018, 06:33 AM	#1
JRN1967 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Monson, MA Posts: 166	Stuck Points Yesterday, my wife and I were out on a short jaunt with my 30 coupe, I was climbing a steep hill and the engine just went flat. Then quit. It was in the mid 90's here in Central Mass, and was by far the hottest day I've ever had the car out. With no traffic I quickly did a three point turn and coasted off to a shady spot. I pulled the distributor cap and had my wife spin the engine over. I could see the points were stuck open and not moving. I have a 32 model B distributor. With only my key chain as a tool I moved the points open and closed but they were stiff and wouldn't spring back closed. I used oil from the dipstick to try to free up the post that the points pivot on. Eventually the points started moving again. After it cooled down I was able to get it started and drive back home. Has anyone ever experienced stuck points before? I think it was brought on by the heat? Can anyone suggest a well made set of points for a B distributor? Thanks, John

07-02-2018, 10:09 AM	#2
ryanheacox Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Northwest CT Posts: 1,092	Re: Stuck Points Can't say I've had that exact issue before or that I'm familiar with the B distributor but I can sympathize. Was heading back from Springfield a couple years ago when I had some points trouble. Just a worn down rubbing block but still it was no fun in the 85 degree heat in a Seersucker suit. Good luck! Hopefully someone else can chime in with more help

07-02-2018, 10:57 AM	#3
J Franklin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 5,962	Re: Stuck Points A bit of fine sandpaper will clean up the post. Check the spring tension when reinstalling.

07-02-2018, 12:17 PM	#4
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Stuck Points A drop of oil on the movable points arm post should be part of everyone's lubrication schedule. Also lube the cam rubbing block.

07-02-2018, 01:58 PM	#5
Ed in Maine Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cty., ME or Flagler Cty., FL Posts: 1,106	Re: Stuck Points Hello JRN, I have a 32 Model B and like you had to make that fast turn off so that I wasn't left out in the middle of the road. It is amazing how fast you can find a parking spot when you are just coasting with a dead engine! The car started to stumble and would run worse when I stepped on the gas. The problem wasn't the same as yours but it was points related. I knew it had to be point gap and didn't bother with the feeler gauge, just opened the points up about 3/4 turn. The car started right up and got the car back home. After you have cleaned the post the points are mounted on, use a high temperature grease and I think you will be good to go. Ed

07-03-2018, 06:59 PM	#6
JRN1967 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Monson, MA Posts: 166	Re: Stuck Points Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Thanks all for the advice. I took the points off and cleaned the post up with some emory cloth. Then i lubed the post and rubbing block. I drove it a few miles and all seems good. I'm still trying to locate a set of original style Model B points. I know Renner's Corner will take my upper plate and convert it to a modern points. But then I wouldn't be able to drive my car until I got my plate back. I see there's a lot of vendors who sell Model A modern point plates, but none for the B style. John

07-04-2018, 11:01 AM	#7
J Franklin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 5,962	Re: Stuck Points I had a friend that modified the a points by removing the post he said they work fine.

07-05-2018, 09:13 AM	#8
JRN1967 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Monson, MA Posts: 166	Re: Stuck Points Thanks J. I'll look into that idea.

07-05-2018, 09:47 AM	#9
Bob C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: So Cal Posts: 8,749	Re: Stuck Points There is four sets of B points on epay right now. https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw...pg=50&_fosrp=1 Bob