Distributor Points

[grandfatherjim]

...but for how long. I'm having the same "success" with points; the rubbing blok wears down after 1500 miles or so. Just about to install my 3rd set.

Re: points in a 72 - I'm doing it with a mirror so as not to pull the dizzy. Works fine, once you train your hands to do the opposite of what your brain is telling them.

Side note to self: when adjusting points in the middle of nowhere with your brand new feeler gauges, remove the gauges' protective oil-y residue from surface of points. Then the bus may run.

[Amskeptic]

...but for how long. I'm having the same "success" with points; the rubbing blok wears down after 1500 miles or so. Just about to install my 3rd set.

Please tell us what you are using for breaker cam grease. After all of this discussion, you beg the question.
Colin

[grandfatherjim]

Indeed. Initially I used general purpose lithium based grease on the points that were in the vehicle when we got it. I thought white grease could be a bit thin.
Next set were Blue Streak I think, and they came with a little capsule of grease - pretty dark stuff, possibly very dark blue. I smeared the smallest possible amount on the cam itself and then loaded some under the leading edge of the rubbing block per the instructions.
This next set that is waiting to be installed didn't come with any.
Set #1 had a plastic rubbing block and I thought "aha! inferior to phenolic! that's the problem!" and I was looking forward to a longer life from set #2 which was phenolic - and then it wore out quickly too.
Any ideas?
Jim

[hambone]

Check for wear or rough spots on the points cam.
I'm starting to think it's points materials.

[Amskeptic]

Any ideas?
Jim

Polish the breaker cam with crocus cloth. Use molybdenum disulfide grease, like Valvoline DuraBlend. . . aaand let us know how long the next set lasts.
Colin

[hambone]

800 miles, dwell and timing still spot on.
I wonder if incorrect dwell causes an early death for points?