396 Camaro Points Issues

[Too Many Projects]

Originally Posted by Rumbleguts396

Interesting Jason. I'm going to have to look at that !!!! Thanks ROB

You state that the points always look new when the failure happens. Using a full 12 volt wire would badly pit the points. You can verify the original low voltage wire by the woven fabric on it at the coil plus terminal.

It could, also, be the condenser failing and shorting out. Are you installing the separate condenser and points, or the uni-points with attached condenser. I don't know if the the uni-points are even made anymore, as they were notoriously famous for premature failure.
Also, make certain the distributor point plate has a good ground to the distributor body and the body has a good ground to the engine thru the clamp and bolt. A bad ground could overheat the condenser and cause it to fail.

[x33rs]

What others are mentioning is easy to test.

While the car is running just check voltage at the coil. Should see roughly 9 volts or so. If you see a full 12 or more that may be your issue.

Since you mentioned you've had this car running for the last 12 years without an issue and this just recently cropped up, My guess is the problem is elsewhere.

[Rumbleguts396]

Originally Posted by Too Many Projects

You state that the points always look new when the failure happens. Using a full 12 volt wire would badly pit the points. You can verify the original low voltage wire by the woven fabric on it at the coil plus terminal.

It could, also, be the condenser failing and shorting out. Are you installing the separate condenser and points, or the uni-points with attached condenser. I don't know if the the uni-points are even made anymore, as they were notoriously famous for premature failure.
Also, make certain the distributor point plate has a good ground to the distributor body and the body has a good ground to the engine thru the clamp and bolt. A bad ground could overheat the condenser and cause it to fail.

I'm using separate condsenor. I have been changing them both when the issues start. ROB