Points Replacement Interval?

[hotajax 226]

How often, or after how many running hours, do you gents change your points and condensor?  Just curious, I go for long periods before I change.  Just chalk it up to "lazy".  Probably should do it more, but seems to be OK.  Thanks.

[ebinmaine 72,672]

I've seen 30 or 40 year old Kohler points working just fine.

[WHNJ701 4,165]

points generally don't go bad they just need to be cleaned up, condenser when it's bad I guess.

[tom2p 2,394]

12 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

I've seen 30 or 40 year old Kohler points working just fine.

our 704 was parked in early 2000's 

 

original points - never looked at them 

would still start with barely a pull and ran fine 

 

[953 nut 59,995]

I have always been a believer in changing ignition points in cars and trucks every 12,000 miles.  At an average speed of 40 MPH it would take 300 operating hours to reach the magical 12K.

The  I mow with gets about 25 hours of operating time per year so it appears the twelve years (+/- a decade) would be about right.

That being said, presuming the engine starts and runs well an occasional inspection and a clean-up with a dollar bill (I have heard a $ 100 bill works better) couldn't hurt

[bottjernat1 2,194]

I dont change them unless they fail. A lot of times when i get a machine i will use fine sandpaper and clean and set them before i even start a machine. I sanded and set the ones in my d-160 i just got. 

[pfrederi 18,670]

Sand

1 hour ago, bottjernat1 said:

I dont change them unless they fail. A lot of times when i get a machine i will use fine sandpaper and clean and set them before i even start a machine. I sanded and set the ones in my d-160 i just got. 

Sand paper can leave grit which will increase point arcing leading to faster wear.  Use a metal points file (or borrow the other halfs metal nail file) or use new $100 bills.

[Pullstart 66,747]

1 hour ago, pfrederi said:

Sand

Sand paper can leave grit which will increase point arcing leading to faster wear.  Use a metal points file (or borrow the other halfs metal nail file) or use new $100 bills.

Same as a flame sensor in gas appliances.  Never use Emory paper, unless you have nothing else... then use the back side of it to polish the rod (or points).

[bottjernat1 2,194]

2 minutes ago, pullstart said:

Same as a flame sensor in gas appliances.  Never use Emory paper, unless you have nothing else... then use the back side of it to polish the rod (or points).

My late dad did this all his life so have i and i have never ever had an issue neither did my dad. But to each there own. I just recently got a file for points but haven't used it yet either. 

[bottjernat1 2,194]

Just to prove my point(no pun intended) Did my method to my new to me 1976 d-160 And here she is running like a champ! 

 

[Pullstart 66,747]

12 minutes ago, bottjernat1 said:

Just to prove my point(no pun intended) Did my method to my new to me 1976 d-160 And here she is running like a champ! 

 

 

I’ll work, no doubt about that... but it creates tiny scratches that‘ll eventually attract debris and cause shorter life spans before failure.  I’ve done it too, but I prefer my points file if I have the option.  

[bottjernat1 2,194]

In agreement I'm betting with us all. Please do not touch the points or use your mouth to blow on them. The oil from your fingers will prevent them from working. After you file them what ever way you choose. Use compressed air. So not to have any moisture on them either. 

[richmondred01 2,307]

Points are like wives.

replace them when they get pitted and worn down. 

 

unlike wives they aren’t expensive.  Use Kohler parts. A lot of chinese knock offs are terrible.
 

[hotajax 226]

Points file.  I haven't seen mine in 30 plus years.  Bet my kid would be totally confused if I explained it to him.  Duh - what are points?

[tom2p 2,394]

18 minutes ago, hotajax said:

Points file.  I haven't seen mine in 30 plus years.  Bet my kid would be totally confused if I explained it to him.  Duh - what are points?

was never a fan of points 

 

real PITA for off road motorcycle riders - get the bike near water and your day could be over 

 

still recall the first thing (bike) I saw with electronic ignition ...  'breakerless' ... 'CDI' ... a 1970 Kawasaki dirt bike  ... 

 

no points - and it had a 17mm nut for a flywheel ... back in the day this was a screamer ... 

 

 

Edited May 29, 2020 by tom2p

[953 nut 59,995]

7 hours ago, richmondred01 said:

Points are like wives.

replace them when they get pitted and worn down. 

 

unlike wives they aren’t expensive. A lot of chinese knock offs are terrible.
 

Thanks for the reminder Bob, If my wife gets pitted and worn down I won't replace her with a Chinese knock off wife!            

[tom2p 2,394]

7 hours ago, richmondred01 said:

Points are like wives.

replace them when they get pitted and worn down. 

 

unlike wives they aren’t expensive.  Use Kohler parts. A lot of chinese knock offs are terrible.
 

words to live by  lol

 

[wallfish 18,096]

About 10 years ago there was guy selling NOS Kohler parts on here. Bought a few things including 3 sets of points and all 3 are still hanging in the unopened bags on a nail in the shed. I've been through quite a few engines since then and changing points is very low on the list when troubleshooting ignition issues. Inspecting and cleaning them is high on the list. 

[WHNJ701 4,165]

going off topic has anyone noticed points and condensers getting more and more expensive in the last few years

[ebinmaine 72,672]

5 minutes ago, jabelman said:

going off topic has anyone noticed points and condensers getting more and more expensive in the last few years

Yes...

Possibly due to supply and demand...?

 

Modern stuff has electronic ignition.