Can you replace points with electronic ignition?

Can you replace points with electronic ignition?

When converting from points to electronic ignition, you’ve got two options. You can either convert your existing distributor, or you can install a new distributor. Advance Auto Parts offers kits that allow you to remove the old points components from inside your distributor and replace them with new ones.

What is the switching device on an electronic ignition system?

Electronic Ignition System: Electronic Ignition DOES NOT use the electromechanical parts as the same as the older system. However, it uses an electronic switching device which sends electrical impulses to the spark plugs and thereby ignites the fuel.

How do electronic distributors work?

An electronic ignition system is a type of ignition system that works electronic circuits, usually by transistors. The transistors are controlled by sensors to generate electric pulses which then generate a high voltage spark that can burn the lean mixture and provide a better economy and lower emission.

Does electronic ignition have a distributor?

Electronic Ignition System This system still has a distributor, but the breaker points have been replaced with a pickup coil, and there’s an electronic ignition control module.

How do you tell if you have points or electronic ignition?

If you do have a standard distributor cap, you can open the cap up and peek inside. A points type ignition will have what are called points (duh) installed in the distributor, just below the rotor (that colored plastic part that spins around when the engine is running).

Do you need vacuum advance with electronic ignition?

Check to see if vacuum increases dramatically when you rev the motor well past idle. And no, your electronic ignition does not eliminate the crucial need for vacuum distributor advance.

What happens if point gap is too small?

Also, having too small of a point gap increases point “dwell” and can cause the points and coils to overheat. Too wide of a point gap can lead to a weak spark. The procedure, in a nutshell, is you set point gaps between 0.014″ and 0.16″. If either is out of specifications, the coil needs to be replaced.

Does point gap affect timing?

Too wide a point gap decreases the dwell angle. This does not give the coil sufficient time to charge, resulting in a weak spark. It also slightly retards the timing. In short, either too wide or narrow a point gap will cause a misfire under load.

What are the symptoms of a weak ignition coil?

If your car is experiencing any of the problems listed below, you may have a faulty ignition coil on your hands:

• Engine misfires.
• Rough idle.
• A decrease in car power, especially in acceleration.
• Poor fuel economy.
• Difficulty starting the engine.
• Check engine light is on.
• Exhaust backfiring.
• Increased hydrocarbon emissions.

Are points better than electronic ignition?

And because there is no mechanical switch, the entire system is a whole lot more rugged in adverse environmental conditions, such as mud. The bottom line is that electronic ignition systems are LIGHT YEARS better than points systems. Simply put, there is a reason why automakers ditched points as quickly as they did.

How do you convert points to HEI?

Installing HEI Conversion Kits

1. Adjustable vacuum advance with a range of 0 to 22 degrees.
2. A new ignition module with wiring harness and capacitor.
3. A selection of advance springs and weights.
4. An ignition coil.
5. A distributor cap with solid-brass terminals and ignition-rotor button.

What does electronic ignition replace?

Most vehicles built since the 1970s have an electronic ignition system, which replaced the old breaker point ignition system. This change-over made engines run smoother and more efficiently and eliminated the need for owners to replace points and condenser every few thousand miles.

What is a electronic ignition?

noun. an automotive ignition in which electrical pulses are generated electronically, usually by transistors controlled by sensing devices, without the use of mechanically actuated breaker points.

How do you test an electronic ignition?

Connect the ground lead from the 12-volt test light to the negative terminal on the ignition coil. Have your partner crank the engine over several times. Your test light should flicker on and off. If so, your module is working properly and no further testing is necessary.

Does electronic ignition need condenser?

Electronic ignition does away with the need for a traditional condenser and points, so these need to be removed by unscrewing them from the distributor base-plate.

What does a condenser do in an electronic ignition system?

The condenser absorbs the energy and prevents arcing between the points each time they open. This condenser also aids in the rapid collapse of the magnetic field.

Does an ignition condenser need to be grounded?

The condenser body needs to be grounded, and the lead wire can connect anywhere between the coil and points. You can screw the condenser bracket to the coil mounting bracket, and connect the lead wire to the coil primary points wire connector.

How do ignition points fail?

When the points open a few degrees of crankshaft rotation later, the current is interrupted, causing the magnetic field to collapse. This induces electrical current into the secondary windings of the coil, where the current is raised to 20,000 volts or more.

How do I know if my points are working?

Test for continuity between the block and the stationary point attached to the distributor plate. Rotate the engine until the points are closed. Use the multi-meter to test for a good connection between the points. A slight gap when the points are supposed to be closed will keep your machine from running.