how fast do points usually go bad?

[buffalobill]

I got this 83 atc70 going a couple weeks ago, with a new set of points and a condenser. I was putzin around in the yard last night, and it died. i threw my spark checker on it and i'm not getting spark any more.

can a set of points go bad this quick? I took the cover off, and took the flywheel off, and everything was coated in a LOT of dust, which was not there when i put the new points in and got it running. is that dust something going bad that is disintigrating? I sprayed the stator, points, and flywheel down really well with electrical contact cleaner, could the dust be the problem with the spark??

[Deathrocket]

oh yeah it can.. if it insulates the points so they don't make contact there will be no current to energize the coil... i don't know what that dust is.. would have to see it... points don't usually fail unless the condenser goes, then they carbon up and pit from arcing, now this is auto knowledge as the only points honda i had was a 73 xl175 dirt bike, but they function the same regardless.. is it possible that the motor needs a crank seal? that's the only thing i can think of... but idunno...

[Dirtcrasher]

I have an easier time rebuilding an entire engine than adjusting ATC70 points..... :lol:

[Blown 331]

How often do they go bad? I have over 20 running 70cc Honda's with points and I have never bought a new set. I'd say your answer is not very often.


I have an easier time rebuilding an entire engine than adjusting ATC70 points..... :lol:

I adjust them as wide as they will go before they stop making contact. Gives you the most spark advance and most power. Plus then the gap can narrow for a longer period of time before it becomes an issue.

[Dirtcrasher]

Well, I'm far from stupid, deranged a bit? yeah probably :lol:

I just know I have dorked around with 3 70's, even used a CDI in one and after about 5 minutes, I push them out of the way and ride my 350X's...........

I started a suspended 70 build and figured I'd buy a Lifan.

[KgoX]

The first thing that popped into my head was that maybe the cam didn't get lubed and it was the rubbing block that was wearing away which would explain the dust and the points going out of adjustment,
ignore this if it's a "duh, I used lube...I know how to change points"

[buffalobill]

well, i had sort of thought the same thing, but i made sure to lube the felt with kroil, and the rubbing block doesn't look worn, although its not like I can eyeball that small of a difference anyway.

I ran out of time this weekend to put it back together, so we will see what i can do with it on wednesday, my day off.