Still won't start

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by pooch

If the points have dirty contacts and give no spark on their own, using a screwdriver can give a spark if all else is good.

The screwdriver makes the contact . not the points.

The actual correct way is the have the points closed and flick them open with a non conductive object.

That's ONLY true if you are trying to show the ignition system is OK.

By stopping the engine with the points open, then shorting with a screwdriver I am showing the points need to be cleaned. This is for a no spark or poor spark condition, which is why the check is taking place most times.