How to Replace Contact Points in a Car

When you replace contact points in a car, they should last a year or longer. However, you should adjust them twice a year or so for maintenance. When you replace contact points in a car, you'll enjoy the benefits of greater horsepower.

Instructions

1

Remove the distributor from the car to replace contact points in a car. Make sure you mark the position for the contact points before removing them.

2

Unscrew the two cross head screws from the distributor and remove the contact plate.

3

Note the attachment while removing the contact plate. The contact points come in two different parts: one is attached with a circlip and the other is screwed directly into the contact plate. You probably won't have a new set or replacement contact points that include a circlip in the box, so make sure you don't lose one.

4

Set the points gap. You will notice a hole in the contact plate. Use a dwell meter to set the dwell between 54 to 60 degrees. If you don't have a meter, set the points with a gap of about 3/16 of an inch.