Points burnout

The points have burn't on my 400ci Midland in my 1956 F100..
They lasted about 10 miles.
I have a new set of points and a new condenser.
How can I test the old condenser to make sure its the problem?
Do I need a ballast resister?

 

sounds like you need a ballast resistor

 

The ballast resistor should be in series with the coil in run, and byp***ed in start. A shorted or open condensor= no run.

 

Change it over to a Pertronics unit if they make one for your app. Got em in both of my cars...one for 9 yrs. and the other for about 3 with Zero trouble !!!! Just a thought.

 

Yes, we do make them (PerTronix) for that distributor.

 

You defiantly need a ballast resister in the run circuit, by p*** it in the start position. It cuts the voltage from 12 volts to about 8 volts in the run position. That's why your points don't last.

 

Thanks for the reply's guys.
Re the Pertronix unit suggestion I have one in my 326 Olds powered 34.
It works a treat...
As for putting one in the F1 I was/am being a cheapskate...

cheers Bryan

 

If you search GMC Bubba did a long post about matching coil resistance ballast resistors etc. If I remember correctly you need a total resistance to get about 3 amps.

 

some of the fords used a internal supressed coil which dont usually need a ballist resistor.your problem is def. too much voltage to the points.if memory serves me you shouldnt have any more then 11 volts to the points....john

 

Sounds like you've got a lot of good suggestions like getting rid of points altogether.
A few after market coils run 12v but factory or most replacements need a ballast and run on 6v. The low voltage coils can handle 12v for short duration such as starting. The condensor p***es the alternating current generated when the points open with the purpose of reducing sparking and metal transfer and was always changed w/ the points

 

12 volts cranking, 8 volts running. but the Pertronix unit will make a world of difference.

 

so are you guys saying that when running a pertronix kit, you can throw the ballast resistor away?

 

You need 12 volts for the pertronix kit. Won't have enough volts with the resistor left in.

 

In aditio0n to the possibilities already posted, some race coils draw a lot of current and aren't suitable for use with points.