what are pionts

[russeller]

i have a rude 40 hp and i was wondering what the the pionts and if you replace them are adjust them

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: what are pionts

Russ<br /><br />You really need to get a Manual and read it thoroughly. If you don't know what points are, you need a Manual. I'm not trying to be mean or anything, but points are the most basic part of the ignition system and are know by almost everyone, outboard or not. You may be young and don't recall older motors that used points to provide spark to the plugs. They are adjustable and must be set at the correct gap(Usually .020). They are under the flywheel, which would have to be removed using a special puller. All outboard motors today use electronic ignition and there are no points anymore, just like cars. Get ya a Manual and read up on your motor.Factory Manual are the best for the more experienced, but I would go with the Seloc brand Manual that is sold on this site and many Marine stores. It explains the basics much better than the more advanced Factory Manual. Also in the future, let us know what year motor you have and if possible, the model number. Any info you can provide will help us help you! Here's a link to it:<br /><br /> Manuals

 

[russeller]

Re: what are pionts

thank you rick is there a way to find out if they are bad ?

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: what are pionts

If you get the flywheel off and can examine them, you should look for pitting on the contacts. If excessive, I'd replace them. They should be smooth and not nessesarily shiny, but heavy pitting is not good. They will not generate the spark nessesary to fire the plugs to full potential. Sometimes if they are slightly pitted, they can be lightly sanded down using emery cloth and re-gapped and used again. An old trick to see if they are working at all, is to turn the motor over so that the points are open and arc them with a screwdriver with the ignition key on and see if they spark. If so, at least you know you know you are getting spark that far. If it's been a while, I'd replace them anyway, as long as you have the flywhell off. Replace the condensor, too.

 

[russeller]

Re: what are pionts

thank you i boughgt the motor and it runs ok but i rather get everything down now so i dont have to worry about it later like on the water

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: what are pionts

I understand that! Being stuck on the water is no fun. One good thing about the older ignition systems is that they are much easier to work on and troubleshoot on the water or land, for that matter. They are very simple compared to todays modern electronic ignitions. If a part goes out on the water today in a newer engine, depending on what it is, might as well get towed...

 

[russeller]

Re: what are pionts

i bought a trolling motor just in case

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: what are pionts

So did I. Besides fishing, it sure gives peace of mind that you can at least move at some pace toward land..

 

[petrolhead]

Re: what are pionts

Shouldn't someone mention that the points are usually accessible without removing the flywheel? In pretty much every engine I've ever seen there is an access panel in the top of the flywheel, usually secured by 2 or 3 screws, remove it and the points assemblies should be visible underneath and accessible enough to clean and gap them.<br />Replacement will almost certainly mean removing the flywheel however.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: what are pionts

The points are not acessable on the later Big Twins. The flywheel with ring gear is way too heavy to put up with having a hole cut into it.

 

[petrolhead]

Re: what are pionts

Fair enough, I guess I'm more familiar with smaller motors which nearly all seem to have the access panel, I just assumed the bigger ones would too.<br />Talking of flywheel pullers though, I couldn't find one locally without having to order it, but when I saw what it looked like I realised I already had something exactly the same, the faceplate off my small lathe!<br />It has a threaded centre hole and three radial slots, inserted a bolt in the centre and I have a puller, it works fine.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: what are pionts

That's a good one! I use this Lisle harmonic balancer puller with a set of 3" 1/4"-20 high grade bolts and thick washers:<br />

<br />It's about 1" thick cast iron in the centre. I've had no trouble getting any sort of flywheel off with it (yet). The only problem is there's no way to hold the flywheel. The OEM one is thick steel plate (no doubt like your faceplate) but has a nice long handle attached to the side of it.

 

[petrolhead]

Re: what are pionts

My biggest problem was finding longer bolts to pull the flywheel, US thread sizes are virtually non-existent outside the US!

 

[rboat99]

Re: what are pionts

Not to jump in on this post, but do all flywheels need a special tool to be removed? I am asking because someone in another post told me I would need to remove mine to replace the water-cooled regulator/rectifier.<br /><br />I was hoping to do it this weekend so if I need a tool, I need to get it ordered.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: what are pionts

rboat99<br /><br />Head to the auto parts store and pick up a harmonic balancer puller and you'll be set....

 

[Hooty]

Re: what are pionts

What year engine? Ya sure it even haz points?<br /><br />c/6<br />Hooty

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: what are pionts

Hi Hooty<br /><br />I think it's his 1967 Model... Maybe....

 

[russeller]

Re: what are pionts

IT IS A 67 I THINK LARK 8

 

[russeller]

Re: what are pionts

NOT SURE OF THE YEAR

 

[russeller]

Re: what are pionts

MOD 142SD<br />SEA 207898