The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay stupid q about points

Hey folks

I have a newbie question--I'm going to do a tune-up (w/ a friend helping) on my 53 1/2 ton and am purchasing points from online. I am unsure which ones to get though--I have a 53, but the engine is a 235, which I think was 54 and beyond. Are "point sets" different for the 216 vs the 235? I am also unsure if you would change the distributer out when swapping engines, but I'm clue free about this stuff.

I called the LMC truck number but the person on the line wasn't very helpful. She was super nice though. The online catalog didn't mention the engine diffs, and I dunno...

Also, what are ya'lls thoughts on dielectric grease for the plugs? A friend laughed at me when I said i'd get some. He said noone uses that, it's just something more to sell me. I am a sucker for marketing, it's true

Sarah

Get them from your freindly local auto parts store

Hey 64, thanks for the input.

So they'll know the right ones for the engine? I need to recycle some oil today anyhow so I might as well head to autozone. They seem to have a pretty good computer system for parts, so you probably are right.

What 64fleetside said. If memory seves, I think the points are the same , regerdless of engine. There might be some differences in the capaciter between 6 and 12 volt, not sure about that.
As far as the di-electric grease goes, well, not be rude, but your freind is incorrect. It's still being used, on more than just plug wires. I use it meyself on any connection that's in a wet area, and applying some to the distributer towers, the coil tower, and the porcelin of the plugs will prevent not only corrosion of the terminals, but will keep the wire boots from sticking on, making for easy removal when service is needed. I use the Permatex brand, under $2 at the local TSC. Doesn't take much, just a light film.

Sarah remember a guy will tell a woman just about anything :whistle: . Not only do lots of us still use it but it's sometimes a must as far as I'm concerned. I use an combination electronic grease/anti-seize not only on my electric stuff but also on nuts, bolts, lugnuts & etc. Makes good sense to me plus it make things a heck of a lot easier to get apart.

Ok, thanks guys! You're all very helpful, I appreciate it lots.

As for my friend...well...it's tough because he's very helpful about lots of things and mechanically worlds above my knowledge level. It's hard to contradict him to his face, esp. since he's so helpful about stuff, and always willing to lend a hand. I guess I will slap some grease on those plugs when he's not looking

I know some of ya may not agree but I belive in setting the dwell anytime you install point's.The gap get's em close but the dwell get's them right on.Just my opinion,Tom

Certainly, grub. Points should always be set with a dwell meter.

There are some variations in the points in those years. Make shure you know what dist. you have. The later ones did not have a nut inside on the term. where the cond & point spring hook up. It is loosened from the outside after you remove the nut & wire term. It takes a special tool but you could probably improvise with a tiny needle pliers.

A dwell meter!!! I dont even remember how to use a dwell meter!

Have you thought about replacing the points with a pointless system?

Rusty Rod,

It's pointless to dwell on this.


Stuart

:rolleyes:

Hmmm, I have 3 dwell meters,one at work, one at home one in my truck.Seems whereever I am someone needs point's installed....lol

Atarmoc, Best laugh i've had in a week. Very good advice. b