Points in '59 413's

[RandalPark@xxxxxxx]

I need to be careful here because I realize that you know exactly what you are 
talking about. 

My point was that as a result of the points being bad or damaged, the engine 
could become seriously "out of tune" which could lead to spark knocking. I 
didn't say that it necessarily would spark knock. I apologize if that was 
unclear.

I don't believe that there was a disclosure as to the exact nature of wear on 
the point set. Were the contacts themselves burned? Had the rubbing block worn 
prematurely, causing the gap to close? What symptoms lead to the discovery of 
the bad points?

Bad points can cause the engine to misfire. A misfiring engine could knock, 
although not necessarily under the same circumstances or for the exact same 
reasons (advanced timing, for example) as most of us immediately associate with 
spark knocking. 

Also, if the engine wasn't running correctly, an excess heat condition could 
result, which then could in turn lead to a spark knocking condition.

In the case of this particular car, based on other posts describing other 
issues about it, I am betting that the spark knocking is related to a lean fuel 
problem. Obviously though, since I am not there, that would just be another 
"guess".

Paul

In a message dated 4/30/2004 10:00:19 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
dardal@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:

> 
> 
> Quoting RandalPark@xxxxxxx:
> 
> 
> > Your spark knocking could be related, but may also be a result of the points
> > burning. Fuel issues can also cause spark knocking, such as a lean mixture,
> > or weak fuel pump.
> > 
> 
> Paul, I can't see how the "bad points" can cause the spark knock.  I do not
> think its possible that worn out points or misbehaving points can advance the
> timing...  But we agree on the other suggestions.
> 
> I think that the most common cause of spark knocking in these old engines is
> carbon build up due to too much idling or slow driving.  Some heavy WOT
> accelrations may clear that carbon up.  People also say that pouring water or
> ATF in the carb can clear up the carbon too, but the first is probably more
> fun.
> 
> D^2
> 
> 
>