Burned points
Over-lubricating the distributor cam so that oil reaches the distributor points, or touching the points with greasy fingers, are two of the things which can cause rapid pointburning, spark-plug company engineers report. Other common causes of burned points include poor
voltage regulation from the alternator or generator, a faulty condenser in the distributor, and misalignment of the points when they are being installed.
Leaving the ignition switched on when the engine is not running can also cause burned points; it can also lead to the coil overheating and burning out. Another cause of burned points may be a faulty ballast resistor. These resisors are used in some 12-volt systems and are connected in series with the coil to reduce voltage when the engine is running, but permit full voltage when the engine is being cranked.
Points are designed to handle only nine to 10 volts continuously, and extra voltage can cause damage fairly quickly. Ignition resistors where fitted, can quickly be checked by a garage or automotive electrician using a voltmeter connected from the battery side of the coil to earth.
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Bibliographic details
Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32541, 26 February 1971, Page 15
Word Count
183Burned points Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32541, 26 February 1971, Page 15
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Acknowledgements
This newspaper was digitised in partnership with Christchurch City Libraries.
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