How to File Your Points, Maintaining an Early Ignition System

Most late model engines have some form of electronic ignition but what do you do if you acquire an older machine? There are a lot of people that are unfamiliar with the old trusty points ignition that served engines reliably for so many years. With a little service now and then the old points or breaker ignition system operates relatively trouble free for long periods of time.

It is important that your points maintain a good electrical connection when they are closed. If they become corroded your engine will run poorly or not at all. With all the electronic ignition out there maintaining your points is almost becoming a lost art. If you have an older engine that refuses to run the points are a good place to start looking for the problem.

In the past, when points were stocked in every department store and were cheap most people just replaced burnt or corroded points. But now days you have to go to a parts store, such as NAPA, and points can be quite expensive so often times it is more cost effective to maintain your current set of points. This can be accomplished by filing your points.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• screwdriver
• points file, a fingernail file, or even some fine-grit folded sandpaper

1. 
   The points are in this distributor in a big block Ford.

   First you must identify where the points are located. The points on this Ford truck with a big block FE engine in it are located inside the distributor that is positioned on the front of the engine.

2. 
   The points on this Honda ATV are behind this cover (see arrow)

   Points are not necessarily located in a distributor. On an older lawnmower engine they are located inside a cover under the flywheel. On many older motorcycle engines they are located under a plate on the side of the engine.

3. 
   On this old tiller engine (think lawn mower) the points are under this cover, behind the fly wheel and behind yet another cover.

   Remove the distributor cap or whatever is covering the points.

4. 
   The rotor on the end of the shaft.

   On an automotive engine, remove the rotor.

5. 
   Here is the problem, burnt points!

   Inspect the points, in most cases you can visually identify the problem. On an automotive engine you can also test the points by turning the ignition switch to the “on” position and manually opening and closing the points to check to see if they arc or spark. If you have a great spark I would look for another problem. If there is no spark turn off the ignition switch and continue.

6. 
   Insert file between the points

   Now you will want to take a points file, a fingernail file, or even some fine-grit folded sandpaper. Hold the points assembly apart along the base with a screw driver. Insert the file between the points and work it back and forth to smooth the working surface of the points assembly.

7. 
   Work the file back and forth until the points are smooth and making good contact.

   Repeat the last step until the working surface of the points are shiny.

8. 
   Testing for spark.

   Once the points are shiny you can perform the spark test on an automotive type ignition. To do a spark test on and engine with a magneto you will have to rotate the engine to fire the magneto and produce a spark. This can be done on most older motorcycle engines with the points cover off. On older lawnmower type engines you will have to reassemble the engine and check for the spark at the spark plug wire.

9. 
   Reassemble and start engine.

   Once you confirm that you have spark, reassemble everything and try to start the engine.