Introduction

Info Sheet 1.5-1

Position contact point fully opened.

The contact-breaker setting is often neglected, but it is vital to good running. Ideally, check and set the
gap, between every major service, and replace the contact breaker after 6,000 miles or 10,000 km, or
twice a year.

Current passing through the contacts burns away one of them and deposits a peak of metal on the
other.

The contact heel which is moved by the distributor cam wears away, preventing the points from opening
fully.

Eventually they stay closed, immobilizing the car. Point burn away faster if the condenser is faulty
(See Checking the low-tension circuit ). As a temporary measure you can, using great care, file points to
restore their flat faces, but it is difficult to get exactly the right profile, so replace the whole set as soon
as you can.

Generally you can do this job with the distributor in place; but in cars with poor access you may have to
remove it. 

General Method of removing the points

Exact details vary from type to type; but on all types begin by removing the distributor cup, which is held
on by spring clips or screws. It may be necessary to lift off the rotor arm and dust shield.

Cap held by screws

If the cap is held on by screws, release each in turn and then lift the cap.

The distributor cap is usually held on by spring clips.

Next, disconnect the wiring at the contact-breaker terminal post: there is one lead from the condenser
and one from the coil.

Connections may be a press-on fit or held by nuts. Undo the screw or screws holding the assembly and
lift it off.

Remove the nut from the threaded top of the terminal post, and take off the connections.

The contact faces of the new points may be covered by a protective coating. Wash it off with petrol or
paraffin, and dry.

Fit the new points, but do not tighten the screws fully if the assembly slides to adjust the gap. Tighten
them a little more than finger-tight, so you can lever the assembly with a screwdriver. Reconnect the
wiring. Set the gap.