Replaced the points in my L6 250 Merc 165 last summer. One of the first trips this year, after 100 hours or so since the tune-up, the motor suddenly died while trolling, and I discovered the point gap was gone. Considering how well it seemed to be running in the hours prior, maybe the plate just slipped, but it didn't seem that way when I put the screwdriver to it.
Limped home with a barely adequate guessed gap as the only gauge I had was well over the size, changed to new points, and was careful to lube the cam and follower. Resolved to carry dwell meter and timing light from now on...
In looking at the new points, I was reminded how flimsy they always seem, and how after a bit of wear the faces always seem to be 50% mis-aligned or worse. I tend to be agnostic as to brand and frankly haven't paid attention.
Are there brands that are better made and more reliable? I'd like to do this right one more time.
Limped home with a barely adequate guessed gap as the only gauge I had was well over the size, changed to new points, and was careful to lube the cam and follower. Resolved to carry dwell meter and timing light from now on...
In looking at the new points, I was reminded how flimsy they always seem, and how after a bit of wear the faces always seem to be 50% mis-aligned or worse. I tend to be agnostic as to brand and frankly haven't paid attention.
Are there brands that are better made and more reliable? I'd like to do this right one more time.