How do I clean the points?

SV1000

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jan 11, 2008
Messages
75
I have been away from cars and motorcycles for so long I have forgotten the procedure to clean the ignition points. What is the preferred method to resurface them if they are pitted?
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: How do I clean the points?

Needless to say, the preferred method is replace them. Having said that, here's how I do them: If at all possible, take them apart and clean each contact separately. If they won't come apart, still do each contact separately, just more of a PITA. Use a strip of 400 grit wet-or-dry sandpaper and back it up with something such as a hacksaw blade. Use the sandpaper/blade as you would a file and polish the contact. Remove any ridges, but don't worry about pits and craters. You are not good enough to be able to keep them flat, so don't worry about the slight convex shape you will wind up with---that's good. When you reassemble, pull a strip of paper between them to remove any fingerprints or grit. And make sure you don't leave behind any fuzz from the paper.
 

wavrider

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Nov 26, 2007
Messages
543
Re: How do I clean the points?

The wife donates a few of her emory boards used for filing fingernails, work great, course she does not know she donates them.

Just make sure you get all the fine dust and debris out before trting to start the engine.
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: How do I clean the points?

I use F R's method except that I usually use 800 grit wet or dry paper.

10
 

Robj

Lieutenant
Joined
Mar 22, 2007
Messages
1,441
Re: How do I clean the points?

For what they are worth, I would just replace them. I would only file them if new ones are not available.

Have a great day,

Rob.
 

wilde1j

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 15, 2002
Messages
5,964
Re: How do I clean the points?

New isn't always a choice for older motors.
 

R.Johnson

Rear Admiral
Joined
Sep 24, 2003
Messages
4,446
Re: How do I clean the points?

On my own engine's, I have cleaned the points many times, after all, all they are is a simple contact switch. On some cheap brand's, they may have a thin contact film you might polish thru. The type of magneto also has an effect on how well points will last.
 

Faztbullet

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 2, 2008
Messages
15,931
Re: How do I clean the points?

Manual and service school teaches you clean with alcohol and cloth( forgot what kind) .You are never to sand or file them as it removes platinum coating and causes them to arc more. I always replace points if burnt or pitted. I agree with you if its NLA parts, make do with what you got.
 

SV1000

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jan 11, 2008
Messages
75
Re: How do I clean the points?

Points are 20.00 and coils are 120.00 each plus shipping, I do not want to put that money into this motor.
 

R.Johnson

Rear Admiral
Joined
Sep 24, 2003
Messages
4,446
Re: How do I clean the points?

Clean the points! You can't hurt anything, and may work as long as you wish to run the engine. The coils, if bad will have to be replaced.
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: How do I clean the points?

Points are 20.00 and coils are 120.00 each plus shipping, I do not want to put that money into this motor.

Just curious, what kind of motor has $120 coils? Just wondering.
 

R.Johnson

Rear Admiral
Joined
Sep 24, 2003
Messages
4,446
Re: How do I clean the points?

FR: An old Merc. will get you in that range, such as the early twins, Lightning, Hurricane, Mark 15-20
 
Top