Fhead Ignition/starting Problem

I'm having an Fhead starting problem. I have full voltage to the distributor except when the points are installed.


With the points out I have full voltage. The continuity of the points is good. I'm assuming when the points are in there shorting but I can't see anywhere they're making contact except where they are supposed to.

Has anyone else had this problem? What am I missing?

 

First- missing hold down screw

Second- the points are on the low part of the cam and are "closed" so the coil terminal where you made your voltage reading with the wire disconnected is now grounded\.

Third- that screw you circled should be isolated from ground- there should be a\n insulator between it and the base plate. Electrically it's connected to the spring arm (which is also supposed to be isolated).


Replace the missing screw, get the points on the high part of the cam & set the them to the correct gap.

 

Won't be able to tell until the points are opened up.

 

Thanks, guys.

Pete, you're correct. 24 volts.

As for the set screw, I have it out because I've been removing and installing the points while testing.

So it's possible to push the points too far on?

I'll concentrate further on the terminal. I checked it before and didn't notice anything askew but I must not have looked close enough.

 

And anothere related but separate question. Am I correct in assuming points, rotor and condenser are the same regardless of 12 or 24 volts?

Does anyone have the correct part numbers. The local NAPA store was less than helpful over the phone.

 

Thanks. I found my M38A1 parts list. Carquest was able to cross reference the number. It'll be in tomorrow. Hopefully it won't be crap.