How often to replace points ignition?

[banderberg]

Just curious how often folks are replacing the distributor components. I'm going to be summerizing my boat soon, and I read the sticky in this forum and it sounds like the author suggests doing it every year. That seems excessive. I was hoping to just hook up the muffs and fire her up. Did all of my maintenance as part of winterization. This summer will be the third season the distributor components have seen.

 

[Lou C]

Every year definitely not needed I have had a points Prestolite distributor for 20 years and change them when the face of the points show burning. Like every 5 seasons.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Points need to be serviced every spring

File, gap, set dwell, set timing

Replace only when the contacts are beyond servicing. About ever 15-20 years

 

[cyclops222]

I am 86 and have repaired & maintained them without problems.
I have NEVER NEVER had to replace them. Only when I FIRST started to HOP UP the family car did the points become damaged !!!!!!!!!!!
A real mechanic repaired my screwing up the points. Points can and USUALLY last forever. If you do not tinker with them.

 

[dubs283]

I see maybe 2-3 conventional ignition systems a season these days come my way. 15 years ago it was more like 30-40

My thoughts are if I'm replacing a points set today I'll go with a mercury brand set as opposed to aftermarket due to volume. Fewer points sets are being manufactured today than 15 years ago and it's in my best interest to go with quality over price and yes, a quick clean of the contacts is most likely the answer to a first of the season start up check/no spark situation

Second issue ime is a failed/failing condenser. Quick check with a dvm solves that right quick

Doesn't hurt to check dwell and timing at that point either

 

[Lou C]

I look to see if they are getting really burned if so I run a point file thru them clean with alcohol on a q tip & set timing & dwell. Then check idle speed. If it starts idles & picks up rpm well I keep using them. Only had a bad condenser once.

 

[Scott Danforth]

the only reason to service points every spring is the film of corrosion that forms on the contacts over the winter when the boat sits for 6-8 months.

if it wasnt for that, points will probably go 3+ years on a boat prior to needing servicing due to normal contact erosion and cam block wear.

remember servicing does not equal replacing.

 

[Grub54891]

I'm gapping on my 6th year this spring. File lightly, check timing/dwell and go.

 

[Lou C]

I think the last time I changed mine was in 2016 lol.
That was the start of the rough running that turned out to be the water in a cyl/blown head gaskets deal that led to the top end overhaul.

 

[frostystorm]

If vice grip garage guy can go out to a car that's been sitting in a field, pop the cap, file the points with his leatherman, and drive the damn thing, I don't think you need to even think about them on even a 5-year basis unless you are in salt.