Points never open but somehow it still runs...

I opened up the distributor today to check my points and had a very strange problem! When the points are at a lobe in the cam shaft (i.e should be open) they are not. When not at a lobe, the points don't even touch the camshaft! It's like the springy bit isn't working properly as it never moves. I don't understand why the engine still runs but it goes just fine.

CalumM said:

I opened up the distributor today to check my points and had a very strange problem! When the points are at a lobe in the cam shaft (i.e should be open) they are not. When not at a lobe, the points don't even touch the camshaft! It's like the springy bit isn't working properly as it never moves. I don't understand why the engine still runs but it goes just fine.

Click to expand...

When was it last serviced ? ...

you know... the gap check, bit of grease on the cam ...

look at the arm for tracking, cracking and scoring on the end that rubs the dizzy lid contacts ...

drop of 3-in-1 oil down the tube in the middle on the felt pad ...

dab of grease on the pivot point under the contact plate ...

CalumM said:

I opened up the distributor today to check my points and had a very strange problem! When the points are at a lobe in the cam shaft (i.e should be open) they are not. When not at a lobe, the points don't even touch the camshaft! It's like the springy bit isn't working properly as it never moves. I don't understand why the engine still runs but it goes just fine.

Click to expand...

Thinking about it ...

has someone changed the ignition system, maybe to leccy ...

but left the old stuff in situ ?

I don't really know how election ignition works but doesn't it fit inside the distributor where the points etc. are now so they wouldn't still be there? I didn't notice anything in there that looked out of place, I'll have another look tomorrow.

Hmmm, if points don't open there's no spark so its not possible for it to run.
Either electronic ignition is fitted or it's a dream you had.

Even if there is electronic ignition the points would still have to work to switch it ... unless it is the type which is triggered by a crankshaft pulley mark!

Wouldn't have thought anyone would fit one on a Series though!

Hmm it's got "25D" stamped onto it, which I though was only fitted to series 2? Here's a pic with the cap off if it helps:
http://i46.tinypic.com/r7nper.jpg

I would remove the points and inspect them as sometimes one can were into the other ( offset ) and giving the impression they are not opening but they are but they will be well worn if that is the case

Just to recap, you say that "When not at a lobe, the points don't even touch the camshaft" That would be when the points are closed, so they wouldn't.

Replace them and then reset them with the gap set at the thickness of a piece of fag packet ... or about 20-25 thou, whichever is the easiest.

From the photo, there is no indication that an electronic ignition system has been fitted, as it has the standard make/break points.

And are you just checking visually or using a meter? Cos there's no way they are not opening and the engine runs.

If you don't have a meter run a bulb to earth from the fixed side of the point (or possibly other side- can't remember) and see if the bulb goes out as the cam rotates.

CalumM said:

Hmm it's got "25D" stamped onto it, which I though was only fitted to series 2? Here's a pic with the cap off if it helps:
http://i46.tinypic.com/r7nper.jpg

Click to expand...

Points do wear in strange ways ...

you can see a pointy bit on one side and a crater on the other ...no way to measure the gap ...

replace and re-gap ...

here is a helpful thingy ...

SpridgetGuru.com-Tech Index-Distributor Points Replacement and Gap Adjustment - Lucas