How often do you change your???

[Morrisminormo]

Hi, I was wondering how often you should change your condenser and points? It's been about 5000 miles since I changed my plugs, rotor, cap, Leads (and my coil BMC ) but I never changed my points or condenser.

What would the effect be if if the points cap is incorrect or worn?

I'm just curious as I have developed a unusual miss fire on occasion. Mixture is correct and adjusting that only really effects your idle. No signs of damp or any other issues. When it does it my car is warm and it's when I accelerate really steady it hesitates slightly but will always clear and run fine if I give it a little more gas. ??

Any ideas? I was thinking points gap as I have not checked them

[MarkyB]

Definitely check the points!
Only plugs and points are service items, changing the condenser is just asking for trouble, carry a spare one though.

[bmcecosse]

It's the coil - put the old one back on........ What madness made you change the coil?

[Morrisminormo]

It's the coil - put the old one back on........ What madness made you change the coil?

I brought all new stuff when I brought her as standing for a few years. I brought the top exit cap not the side and the old coil is different to the new one, I would have to buy like for like to use that coil again. Would my new coil cause these symptoms?

What cap should I set the points?

How come you know everything????

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

I agree that the condensor is not a service item, and should never need changing as long as it works properly.

The points in this case are overdue some attention, remove them and rub the pitting off (not necessary to take it all off) with a small nail file and when the cam has opened the points, the gap needs setting to .014-.016" with a feeler gauge.

The cam needs greasing lightly, and the bob weights and screw under the rotor arm also should be given a few drops of light oil.

Distributor cap needs checking for wear and wiping out the dust with a non-fluffy cloth.

[minor65]

I usually know when the points need changed, when in 2nd gear and light throttle the engine gives a slight miss occasionally. On my minors i usually replace it them every 3 years / 3000 miles.

[Morrisminormo]

I usually know when the points need changed, when in 2nd gear and light throttle the engine gives a slight miss occasionally. On my minors i usually replace it them every 3 years / 3000 miles.

I'm doing mine now I do 60 miles a day. Sounds like my points then

Fingers crossed

[bmcecosse]

The modern points/condenser/rotor arms and coils are not made to anything like the standard of the originals, So GOOD old/original parts are far better made and more likely to be long lasting. So yes - your new points may be well gone already, the condenser may be half dead - and the new coil may be clinging to the last threads of life. I would refit ALL the old parts. Carry the new parts as spares by all means.....

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

The ultimate solution, if it were possible, would be to convert to magneto ignition.

[bmcecosse]

Works great on my lawn mowers!

[MarkyB]

How many have you got?!

[bmcecosse]

2 X petrol (and a spare engine..) plus 4 X electric - which obviously don't have magneto ignition...before some clever D!ck chips in..

[MarkyB]

Any ride on ones? Just how big an area are your laird over

[bmcecosse]

None ! I cut the housing estate common gardens every week as a volunteer.......

[MarkyB]

I think father Christmas should get you a ride on mower in a low state of tune, Merry Christmas!

[bmcecosse]

Some hope - the lazy ba$tards in the estate don't even say thanks - or when I clear the snow and throw salt on the road so they can get up the hill and off to their daily toil............

[dalebrignall]

magnetos are still being used on light aircraft very reliable

[bmcecosse]

I'm guessing it's not easy to build in an advance curve - or vacuum advance.....

[MarkyB]

Even motorbike ones are great heavy lumps of iron.
It makes limited sense to duplicate the capacity to generate electricity when there is already a system in place.
"advance curve - or vacuum advance" or computer control that adjusts to a lot more inputs for that matter.

[chesney]

The 'donkey' engine in our D2 Caterpillar is run by magneto, has to be, there's not an ounce of electricity in it!