Harley Points And Condenser
Article by Vintage Vinny
Once properly set, a points ignition will run fine for 5,000 miles or more, without any adjustment. For a classic motorcycle that gets driven 1,000 miles a year or less, that's a pretty trouble-free system.
I like points ignition because that's what belongs on my 50-year-old motorcycle. They're also simple to understand and diagnose. Apparently, some people don't understand simplicity, and replace their points with electronic ignition because they were told it was better.
Points vs Electronic Ignition
Electronic systems can be unreliable, and unlike points, they will stop working without a warning. A set of points will at least give you a clue, showing such signs as running rough, or maybe they just haven't been checked or changed for several years.
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
It only takes so much spark to start an engine, so if your stock system is in good order, having more spark than you need doesn't have much of an effect.
Street vs Track Performance
Keeping your points ignition is fine for stock and mild street performance, but for serious performance, electronic ignition is mandatory.
**********************
Aftermarket Points And Condenser
Businesses don't care about the originality of your bike. They make a lot more profit selling $100 electronic ignition conversions than a $10 set of points, so that's what they market and advertise. As a result of this, finding good quality points and condensers is getting harder year after year.
Sadly, too many aftermarket suppliers offer cheap replacements, that look correct but are of inferior quality.
Blue Streak Points
Blue Streak points and condensers are made by Standard Motor Products. They're an old established company that still make quality ignition parts.
Shop: Blue Streak Point and Condenser Set for Harleys
These points fit:
1971 through 1978 Sportster
1970 through Early 1978 Harley FL and FX
* Also good for electronic to points conversions *
**********************
Importance of a Condenser
Many people underestimate the importance of the condenser. When the points are open, the high voltage of the coil tries to "jump" the points gap. The condenser absorbs this current flow, which protects the points from arcing and burning. When the points are closed, the condenser releases it's stored voltage to the coil.
You cannot tell by looking at a condenser if it is good or bad. Replace it if there's any doubt as to it's age or condition.
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
Setting The Points
Recommended points gap for most Harley engines is .018 to .022". Note that there are two different size lobes on the ignition timer cam. The narrower lobe works the front cylinder, and the wider lobe works the rear cylinder.
The points gap should be done before any timing is attempted. It is easiest to set on the wider cam. The cam should be lightly lubricated (not over-lubricated) with a drop or two of grease.
Checking point gap with a feeler gauge.
Renewing Points
Before re-using an old set of points, check that the contact points are not burnt or pitted. They can often be renewed with a points file. These are speciality files which should not be used for other types of filing, so as not to clog it with small metal particles. Avoid using sandpaper to file points, as it will leave tiny particles of grit.
Shop: Points File
There are plenty of vintage motorcycles out there still running points, some of them older than you and me. Chances are they'll keep on running, perhaps long after you and I are gone (provided the cam lobes get lubed regularly).
**********************
Related Articles: