Return of the H starting problem

I previously replaced, points, condensor and coil.
No difference.

Friend and I took apart the distrib today. It appears the points do not always spark when open and when they do, it is yellow spark.

Thus I have intermittant firing of the points...this appears to be a short from points to the distrib body. Only thing I can figure is defective points grounding at pivot post. I checked condensor wire...it appears okay.

One thing I am correcting is a #4 cable on one of battery posts...I bought a #1 cable and will install tomorrow. Push start button switch gets hot easily..possibly caused by small cable...or maybe switch is bad, but this would not be related, unless it is sucking juice from the starting circuit.

If the battery is strong enough to spin the engine, it should not be the problem..right or wrong?

Any bright ideas for this dope??

H. Bauer

• Hobby farm

WHY do you suspect the points are shorting?

Try this:

Connect a test light between the insulated terminal on the distributor and chassis ground.

Turn the ignition "ON", and crank the engine with the starter, and watch the test light.

...Test light stays "OFF" all the time, or only seldom flashes "ON"... This would point to a short in the insulator on the stud where the primary wire from the coil connects to the distributor, a short in the breaker points (as you suspect), or a shorted condensor.

...Test light stays "ON" all the time, or only seldom flashes "OFF"... This would point to the breaker points having corrosion, or an oily film on them, and not making good contact, when they close. (This is what I suspect.)

I did replace #4 gauge cable from battery in favor of a #1...the cranking speed change is dramatic!

I think Bob's suggestion may be right. I suspect the insulated fitting which goes through the distrib from the coil wire to the condensor.

Anyone know where I can get this insulted fitting?

p.s. after doing all the above, it cranked much faster and the engine caught momentarily then died. The points are clearly still working only intermittantly.