points closing

[basin-boy]

102 runs fine in the bin but as soon as it hits the briny the points close up. Not all the way, stays open enough to still run but without much power. Any suggestions?

[Hugz]

Sometimes the flange that the magneto baseplate joins the motor wears causing the plate to rock which changes the points gap. Failing that being a problem maybe you need a new set of points. All sounds a bit bizarre.

[Collector Inspector]

BB

Points closing up means that they are not tight.......Duh, and also what Hugo mentioned.

If they are not tight then you are not leaning on a screwdriver hard enuff.

What condition is the clamping screw slot in?

Are you using a proper sized cabinet head driver in good condition?

Pics speak volumes.......we all love pics by the way.

Else wise this is odd.

BnC

[notav8]

Maybe the crankshaft is a bit loose in the bushes, allowing the point gap to change, or that the crank has some runout. May need to check with a dial Indicator.

[headdownarseup]

I bet it's the small clamping screw that's perhaps got a worn thread.
Once they're set and tightened correctly they shouldn't move.
Normally spark errosion will enlarge the gap over time, but a worn screw will never truly tighten down and start to close things up.
Check the threads inside the points box too where the screw actually sits.


Jon

[basin-boy]

Thanks for those replies. It seems the problem is not a common one and thus not an easy diagnosis and fix but I have some directions to look.

[Hugz]

Where abouts in OZ are you?

[basin-boy]

St Georges Basin