MTFCA Forum

Considering the price, would you replace your points every year? Just the points or condensor too? Then would not have to file your points or try to line them up if they are off.

I will assume that the cap and rotor are still in good shape.

I don't have a dizzy on my Ts, but when I had a Model A, of course it did.
From that experience, I would recommend replacing the points and condenser every spring just as a matter of
preventive maintenance. It's not that expensive. Just my humble (?) opinion!

Unless you have a problem with oxidation from sitting over the winter or are burnt/pitted, I don't see the need to file or replace the points. Maybe just a quick wipe. If the condenser is working, it should not need to be replaced, you could get a bad replacement. I don't see the point of replacing parts just to replace them.

What Mark said, if it ain't broke, don't fix it , if the T is stored in a somewhat damp garage, just give the points a light wipe with a fine sandpaper and GO ! don't forget a small dab of grease in the neck of the arm where it touches the cam to keep it lubed..
Happy T'ing

Mark & Leo, I basically agree with you. However, given past experience, after trying the "leave it be" thing, I have found myself with trouble well into the season. Preventive maintenance is just that...repair/replace before it breaks. With the hope of course it makes it through the full year also! Seems these Chinese/Mexican points and condensers just don't last. I figured $15 worth of "insurance" for the season was money well spent. Again, just my thoughts. I don't diss anyone else's.

I think the first question is how old are the points and condenser? If the vehicle starts without issue, whats the point of replacing any or all of the ignition components (condenser, rotor, points, distributor cap and don't forget the plugs). Doubt if you did the same to your daily driver prior to electronic ignition systems. Also if you have suspicions on the quality of the new components why risk replacing something that works with one you have doubts about. Its a rather simple task to test a condenser https://mgaguru.com/mgtech/ignition/ig129.htm. It can be done with the new one as well as the old one. The test works for cars as well as lawn mower condensers. If the vehicle has been sitting idle for a period of time routine seasonal maintenance should include lubing the distributor cam, shaft and gears and inspecting and maintaining the rest of the system too.

Instead of replacing yearly, carry a complete set of ignition parts in your tool box.

Frank thanks for posting that link. I use that test but the 10-15 sec thing was news to me. I will add to my testing next time I check one.

jsaylor wrote: ↑

Tue May 12, 2020 11:55 am

Instead of replacing yearly, carry a complete set of ignition parts in your tool box.

This is the camp I am in...
The points and condenser in my Thomas distributor have been in there for at least 20 years. I cleaned and regapped the points last year.
I have a spare cap, rotor, coil, points and condenser under the backseat, all new, but have been there for the duration.

As far as testing a condenser. I have seen so many of the “new” China parts that work, would probably pass a test... but intermittently go haywire, especially after they get warm.
Not sure if any “test” will be reliable.
Give me a 20-50 year old USA condenser and I’ll have a lot more confidence.