Typically what kind of mileage can one expect from a set of the uniset points? Also when the points wear what is the procedure to adjust them? Do you need to remove them and sand in between the point? Are just replace with a new set once they start acting up?
-
-
Re: uniset points C3
Typically, tune ups were done once or twice a year depending on the car and mileage driven with the older cars running more current through the coil primary (e.g. '091 coil and low resistance ballast) being more tune-up prone.
Yes, by removing the points and filing the contact surface flat again, you can recover more driving time. But, once contact points have started to pit appreciably, the wear process speeds up. -
Re: uniset points C3
Kelly,
Some of the things that can affect point life are:
contamination on contacts
leaving ignition in run position, motor not running and points closed
distributor cam wear
I live in the midwest and worked in a service station when I was attending college. It was kind of a rule of thumb that people who did good car maintenance had their plugs and points changed spring and fall. In most cases this was around 6 to 10,000 miles. I never recall seeing a car that didn't need new points at those intervals.
Since the advent of electronic ignition systems I personally don't see any reason for using a point system unless it is for judging reasons and then there is at least one system on the market that uses a single wire so from the outside it appears as stock. Others will have their reasons for retaining a points system. I personally like the advantages of not having it in my cars.
WayneComment
-
Re: uniset points C3
I'd say points can last up to 30K miles. They should be checked for resistance and dwell every 10-12K miles. They are adjusted with a 5/32" Allen wrench.
Never "sand" points or any type of electricl contact. If they need dressing use a small file - like a fingernail file. Sandpaper grit is non-conductive and some will always be left behind.
DukeComment
-
Re: uniset points C3
Anyone know what the part number is for a good aftermarket set of uniset points? thanksComment
-
Re: uniset points C3
Accel 110130.Comment
-
Re: uniset points C3
I bought a set of what they referred to as "high performance" points at NAPA.
You can get the part number from their website.
They seem to work OK.
Not cheap, I paid about $26.00 for them, as I recall.
RichComment
-
Re: uniset points C3
NAPA/Echlin, BWD, Niehoff, Standard, Blue Streak - they're all the same made by Standard Motor Products and are all OE quality, and Delco probably purchases their point sets from SMP because GM no longer manufactures them internally.
Before you remove the old uniset, set the dwell. Then keep them in the car with proper screw drivers to remove the cap, rotor, and swap the points as a get home spare just in case.
You'll never get stuck on the end of a tow hook like you can with an electronic ignition.
That's one of the beauties of vintage cars. They are SIMPLE!!!
DukeComment
-
Re: uniset points C3
Donald and Kelly----
These are the ones to get.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
-
Re: uniset points C3
Kelly you asked how long a uniset points would last. I became curious and checked my maint log on my 68. Back in JUN-AUG 1986 I installed new Champion plugs, Moroso Blue Max spark plug wires, ACCEL distributor cap and rotor, and AC Delco uniset points. The 68 had 76235 miles on it. Today it has just over 98K. Need to remove the points and put some lubricant on the rubbing block and thin smear on the distributor. Like Duke mentions I have always kept a removed set of points in the glove box ready install. When driving my 85 and 96 I do wonder at times how long the electonic ignitions are going to last.Comment
-
Well...
The Breakerless SE on my '71 has now clocked 65K miles and done the Founder's award drive to National five times without incident. We had no second thoughts about installing one in Rob Musquetier's '69 and driving from Amsterdam to LeMans and back in June. Plus, it performed quite nicely, thank you, when Rob put the car on-track at LeMans for courtesy hot lap...Comment
Comment