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02-06-2020, 04:55 PM | #1 |
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“Do not use a file” to dress down breaker points
Page 346 in the Service Bulletins says “If the points are burnt or pitted they should be dressed down with an oil stone. Do not use a file.”
I’ve seen similar references elsewhere for Model As. Why would Ford not want to use a point file? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
02-06-2020, 05:06 PM | #2 |
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Re: “Do not use a file” to dress down breaker points
Maybe the file in the farmers garage was a bit corse compared to a points file or oil stone.
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02-06-2020, 05:40 PM | #3 |
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Re: “Do not use a file” to dress down breaker points
It can chip the contacts--- i use a diamond knife sharpener
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02-06-2020, 05:53 PM | #4 |
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Re: “Do not use a file” to dress down breaker points
I would assume the smoother the surface, the less likely for pitting to begin, hence the reasoning for oilstone instead of file.
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02-06-2020, 07:22 PM | #5 |
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Re: “Do not use a file” to dress down breaker points
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02-06-2020, 07:25 PM | #6 |
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Re: “Do not use a file” to dress down breaker points
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02-06-2020, 07:27 PM | #7 | |
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“Do not use a file” to dress down breaker points
Quote:
Is an oil stone the same thing that some folks call a hone? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Last edited by shew01; 02-06-2020 at 08:01 PM. |
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02-06-2020, 08:50 PM | #8 |
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Re: “Do not use a file” to dress down breaker points
emery paper was the go to in my day
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02-06-2020, 11:49 PM | #9 |
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Re: “Do not use a file” to dress down breaker points
Yea they meant a standard file. the "modern" points file is more of a burnishing tool.
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02-07-2020, 12:54 AM | #10 |
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Re: “Do not use a file” to dress down breaker points
Besides you have a better chance of keeping the contacts parallel using a points file.
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02-07-2020, 10:35 AM | #11 |
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Re: “Do not use a file” to dress down breaker points
I use a narrow strip of adhesive type sandpaper that I can fold over , stick together so it sands on both sides , like a file that is flexible . This works best for me .
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02-07-2020, 10:48 AM | #12 |
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Re: “Do not use a file” to dress down breaker points
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02-07-2020, 10:49 AM | #13 |
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Re: “Do not use a file” to dress down breaker points
I have and still use the same point file I've used for at least the last 50 years, no problems yet.
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02-07-2020, 03:57 PM | #14 |
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Re: “Do not use a file” to dress down breaker points
I was told years ago not to use any kind of abrasive (sand paper etc) because it will leave crap embedded in the contact surfaces. FWIW
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02-07-2020, 04:03 PM | #15 |
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Re: “Do not use a file” to dress down breaker points
Not sure I would use emery paper anywhere electrons are flowing. (points, armatures, etc) Emery is conductive and may short out to ground if grit accumulates. Sand paper would be a better choice if a good fine file can't be found... Frank |
02-07-2020, 04:25 PM | #16 |
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Re: “Do not use a file” to dress down breaker points
If you're stuck out on the road use what eve you have. If you're in town don't be so darn cheap. Go buy a new set.
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02-08-2020, 12:07 AM | #17 |
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Re: “Do not use a file” to dress down breaker points
My 2 cents I have worked on 40's 50's mopars (Dodge Plymouths) for many years and have got a . Lot of vehicle's running by cleaning the points with a point file. Ok not a Model A but a similar animal.
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02-08-2020, 01:13 PM | #18 |
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Re: “Do not use a file” to dress down breaker points
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02-08-2020, 01:29 PM | #19 |
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Re: “Do not use a file” to dress down breaker points
Filing the points can reach a point of no return! LOL The points on my 48 had been filed so many times in the past that they were down to the base. I finally had to bite the bullet and get new ones. Most of the time you are just removing the deposits from one side anyway, then giving a quick wipe out with a match book cover to get oil off.
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02-09-2020, 09:09 AM | #20 |
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Re: “Do not use a file” to dress down breaker points
I use a diamond, Nail file. I got it in the Dollar store for, you guessed it, 1buck. It's slimmer than a metal file. Emery paper would be fine except Emery is a conductor. I don't want a conductive dust floating around inside the distributor.
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