|Troubleshooting Lucas Points Ignition Systems |Doug Lawson (
email@example.com ) |What is Covered: The following document
discusses the operation of the basic “points type” ignition
system. Included are steps to troubleshoot the ignition system.
This document presents a negative ground system only. Please
read the Theory of Operation section before attempting to
troubleshoot your ignition system. What is Not Covered: Symptoms
of ignition system failure are not presented. Ballasted ignition
coil systems are briefly discussed in the closing. Steps to
troubleshoot the ballast ignitions are not presented here.
(Refer to the following schematic) A: Condenser. This is a
capacitor wired in parallel to the points. It absorbs energy
when the points open to prevent their pitting and burning. B:
Points. The points act as a switch, connecting the coil’s (-)
terminal to chassis ground. C: Distributor Cam. This multi-lobed
spline rotates at 1/2 engine speed. High spots on the cam open
and close the points D & E: Coil. The