Quick over view of problem. 1952 331 Hemi has no spark. Distributor is a Dual Point. I noticed that the points don't open and close at same time is this a problem? How do I tune this set-up and what are common problems and how do I determine the problems? Thanks.
the purpose of dual points is to keep the points closed longer to get a stronger spark from the coil. to set them use a pice of card board or similar to block open one set of points, ten set the dwell to stock specs on the other set. put the block in the other set of points and set the dwell on that set. check the timing and you are done. as far as troubleshooting make sure you have power to the points themselves. check the condensors to make sure they're not shorted or open. need a multimeter to do this. a good invesrment if you don't have one yet. check for an open ballast resistor. jerry
The points not opening at the same time is not a problem. It's made that way. Lack of spark could be corrosion across the contacts or no voltage. Check at the coil and then at the points wire with a test light. Make sure you have voltage all the way to the points. If it's been sitting a long time corrosion builds on the contacts. Clean gently with crochus cloth or points file. For absolute correct adjustment it should be put on a dist. machine and spun to set correct dwell. The Wizzard
I should have closed with, when you get tired of messin with the points Unilight makes a drop in replacement unit to go electronic and look stock. It's the only way to go. The Wizzard
Turn the engine over with the starter while watching the points. If they don't spark, turn the engine until the ppoints are closed. With key "on", use a screwdriver to push points open a little...let 'em snap back closed. Keep doing this until you get a good, healthy spark. Do both sets of points like this and then retry the spark test. If the points are sparking while cranking the engine, pop the cap and rotor back on and start the damn engine......This is by no means an alternative to cleaning and setting the points....simply a method of starting an engine if the points are corroded....
Typically the points on a dual point distributor will not open and close at the same time as mentioned earlier. I would check the coil first to make sure that is good and then also run through the rest of the system as the other fella's mentioned. One thing I must add is that a bad condenser will drive a person crazy. I have seen these things go bad and create major spark issues. I would try replacing the condenser first as they are cheap and it could quickly eliminate your problem. Good luck.
Everyone has given you good info. If you determin that you got zot to the dist, there is one thing that you might consider. Points and condensers are cheap. If you're going to run a breaker ignition keep a spare set in the glove box. In a pinch I've adjusted them on the side of the road/out at Banks Lake with a matchbook cover. That should get it running. Also if the points are not completely burnt (got big weld knobs on 'em) you can usually clean them with a folded up dollar bill. Or the striker off that same book of matches and then a folded up dollar bill.
I had one of those piece of shit dual points distributors in my girlfriends 55 dodge(270 hemi). What a pain in the ass. They gave me so much trouble, I ended up breaking down and spending the $ and getting a mallory unilite. It is expensive, but much easier now. Also, you don't have a vac. adv. to worry about, which is cool cause we are running 3 deuces on it anyway.
I will try and stop thru thursday and take a look ( drool ) If youre in need of any parts for that creature just holler
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