points

[tahoe healey]

I have gone through another set of points. They seem to wear or sometning. The red post shortends and the points come together and stay closed. This has been only since last June. With 4 months off for winter (I do run the engine to warm up temps). They say Lucas on them. They are from Moss. The cam is greased and with out scratches. Are there and others who are having problems? No, I don't want to go electronic. I use to have fiber cam-riders on my XK140 which never seemed to wear. It seems to be the red plastic that wears. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[dklawson]

I don't think the problem is unique to Healeys. This is part of the reason I switched to electronic ignition. There are two seemingly unrelated things you can try to extend the life of your points. First, run a thicker, heavier grease on the cam. The second thing is replace the condenser with a new one. If the condenser isn't working the points will pit/burn and run hotter. Running very hot probably isn't good for that red heel.

 

[Dave Russell]

Hi Rich,
There could be several reasons for fast rubbing block wear.

The "plastic" type rubbing block may have less resistance to heat or less resistance to abrasion than the older materials.

If the coil primary resistance is too low the point current will be high which could partially "melt" the rubbing block. A standard coil or the sport coil should should allow no more than about 4.7 to 5.4 amps to flow. Since the points are actually closed less than half of the time, the current averages about 1/2 of this amount. Unless, the engine is left sitting with the points closed & the ignition still on. This might get the points hot enough to breakdown the newer plastic type rubbing block. So, we have, wrong coil resistance, it should be in the range of 2.6 to 3 ohms, or ignition left on with engine not running.

If the points are installed so that the rubbing block meets the cam at an angle, the high spot on the rubbing block will be worn down until it contacts the cam over it's full area. Once it has worn in, resetting the point gap should keep it the same for a while.

If the cam surface is not polished perfectly smooth it will abrade the rubbing block. Polish the cam with "crocus cloth" & lube it.

Lastly, the rubbing block material may be defective & cannot withstand the normal abrasion & heat. You could try another point set in hope that yours was just an exception.

Barring change to a pointless ignition which is "pointless" since you have ruled it out, check the above items. I don't know if points can be found that have a tougher rubbing block material, but maybe someone knows. It won't be the recent "lucas". There is no doubt that the older material was tougher.
Good luck,
D

 

[Keoke]

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nopity.gif OK TH, I told you sometime ago on the forum, if you just insist on using points get some good ones.So go to a good parts suppy store and order the following: Point set # LU1617P or LU1617PXP The condensor is part #LU200. These components are supplied by Standard Motor Products,Inc.The cold hard fact is Lucas has not made a set of points for LBC for years ,yes those lousy points you purchased say Lucas on them because the vendor's have Paid Lucas their price to use the Lucas name .---Keoke /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yesnod.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/patriot.gif

 

[tahoe healey]

I've installed an older set(new from my Jag days). This will be a good test since it is probably 20 years old and never been used. I'll let you know in a year.
Thanks very much.

 

[Keoke]

TH, Im going to set right here and hold my breath until you call.Those will probably work ok just don't let them know they are in a Healey!---Keoke /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif