How A Dual Point Distributor Works

[@fuji302]

I grew up in the day and age of electronic ignition towards the end of distributors. I knew about points but the only time I ever messed with points was an old Ford tractor where your only adjustment was gap. I always wanted to have a basic understanding dual points for the sake of knowing old tech and today is that day. This is awesome, thanks.

[@iceman22st]

I've been playing with dual points since my first Datsun 510 back in 1978. Nissan used them more for emissions purposes. I've tried explaining dual point distributors and been met with confused looks. Your explanation is great.

[@garethleitner9547]

I once had a 65 Coronet 500 with a 383 and dual point distributor. Didn't have a clue how to set the points properly. But it ran until I wrecked it. Thanks for the lesson!

[@bluecollar58]

I thought they were to prolong the spark but I can’t remember for sure. Your saying it increases the load time for the coil , very interesting. I was a mechanic when points were still common but i only came across dual points once on a roadrunner. I don’t remember what I did but if I was in doubt and didn’t have a shop manual I would go to the local library that had a large set of Motors Manuals in the reference section.

[@JoeVinson]

Are you using the new opportunity photography? Wow.

[@keithwarkentin]

Very good explanation I understand quite a bit better now. One thing I would like to ask you is how does the rotor work on the distributor that came out the front on the older Ford V8 and V12 with dual distributor caps?

[@killer2600]

It's actually easier to setup than blocking the points internally, the two leads come out of the distributor and have a quick disconnect on one of the leads for a reason. You can disconnect the lead and adjust the dwell for the primary breaker/point to the single point spec, and then connect the lead back together and adjust the secondary breaker/point to get the combined dual point dwell spec. Dual Point Distributors were a very clever invention for the time. Sadly, kids today will never know or see this old technology and the ones that do will be super confused and have to find info on the internet, like this video, to understand what they are looking at.

[@ThePaulv12]

Well, I think you're description sounds correct but what I think is actually happening is this, one set of the points is handling the opening current and the other set is handling the closing current thereby halving the arc and doubling the life of the points - maintaining tune longer. The dwell is the same as it is in a single point distributor and I don't think you're getting more rise time for the same dwell. How can it? The dwell is the dwell. If you set it to say 32 deg then it's 32 degrees whether it is single or dual point isn't it. There's no electro-mechanical trickery going on as far as I can see. I could be wrong but I don't think so.

[@chrisholcombe137]

Cutting the time as two 4 cylinder separate timing order great for tunnel ram engines

[@Itisilogan]

How would you wire that to a coil? Would both red and black go to the positive post on the coil? Or would the side with the condenser (red) go to the positive coil and the side without (black) go to the negative post?

[@asicerik]

Great video bud. Excellent splaining

[@Aphro1z]

00:04:57 #20degreestopdeadcenter° #offsets.

[@North700]

Thank you very well and thorough explanation.

[@hubercats]

Very nice job. Thank you!

[@corollareligion661]

Very good video

[@DriveShaftDrew]

great explanation thumbs up and shared

[@ziggassedup]

Yep charging the cap/condenser...That was a fun game back in the day...

[@TheChaos98]

Hey! Would i need a new distributor if i run with a performance intake and carter afb?(edelbrock!) 4 bbrl carb?

[@1112223333111]

so can you change the timing by switching between the breakers separately?

[@killer2600]

The timing will change when switching between the two but that's not how you would adjust timing for setup or while running (spark advance).

[@jerrykgregory]

Excellent !!

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[@Aphro1z]

#778millamp.

[@RMphy89]

Teddy from Bob’s Burgers

[@charlestraylor6471]

U not what too do