Points

[mikeT]

I've got a 009 distributer on a 1600cc, it has two sets of points under the cap, I was under the impression there is only supposed to be one set(I could be wrong). what are the advantages of this? and to adjust them, do you just make sure the two sets open at the same time.

The engine came like this, so I am trying to figure out what is going on.

Thanks

[ScreamnStroker]

Mike.. I'm assuming this is off the Yellow Car we sold you?
The distributer is correct it is a 009 dual point system.

You set the points indepently from one another at the same gap as you would a standard set of points.. (.018)?

Someone else can Charm in and help out with the Advantages.

Taylor

[BUSDADDY]

Two sets of points sounds like a pain in the ass, I can see an advantage as far as redundancy goes but you would have to be super anal about setting both gaps exactly the same and checking them weekly or you are going to end up with the spark timed to whatever set of points feels like opening first. Could lead to a motor that has good days and bad days. Very useful if you want to run some kind of endurance race but single points are just fine for most situations. Either take as set out or adjust one set a few thou bigger and have a look when your car turns into a toad. Most dual point setups I've seen are for emission setups where some system needs to choose between a retarded/advanced spark for a specific purpose.

[mikeT]

Thanks guys, I think I will pull a set out and just run one set for simplicity, Unless someone can tell me why it is worth running two.

Hey Taylor, Ya it's the yellow car, it has been in pieces in my Dad's garage for the past year, the engine was also in pieces and hasn't run for about a year, so I'm putting it back together now for summer.

It is no longer yellow.

Mike

[ScreamnStroker]

Hey Taylor, Ya it's the yellow car, it has been in pieces in my Dad's garage for the past year, the engine was also in pieces and hasn't run for about a year, so I'm putting it back together now for summer.

It is no longer yellow.

Mike

What color did you end up going with??? I remember you wanted to go with Silver.. is that what you went with?

[Brent]

Mike,
I can't remember who made that distributor but Mallory has some interesting sites on the advantage of a dual point system.  

For what its worth have a quick look:

http://www.formatc.org/mgb/articles/mallorydual.htm
http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/ignition/ig200.htm

Not sure if this helps out?

Cheers, Brent

 

[BUSDADDY]

Hmmm..... That answers a few questions as to the theory but the two sites contradict each other as far as what happens with dwell. I think theres electronic alternatives available that can do a far better job. Besides you might notice they are used on English cars and we all know english car is another way to spell major pain in the ass. Unless you plan on building some sort of retro racer sell it on the Samba and use the proceeds to buy a nice new simple german one.

[Brent]

I think theres electronic alternatives available that can do a far better job

Yah, I agree!
 

[mikeT]

Ya .... I think the easiest thing to do is put in an electronic replacement, and forget about it, but I want to get it running again first before I put too much more money into it. (The wife is gonna make me work alot more overtime if I keep buying car parts )

It was running when I pulled it a year ago so it should run again without too much more assistance, hopefully.

Thanks guys for the advice.


....and Taylor, I'll grab a couple of pics of some of the painted parts.