Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

67.5 1600 idles and runs well once started, but is occasionally difficult to start. mostly will start quickly with just a quick turn of the key, other times it will take 5 or 6 or even more attempts to get it to fire. When it finally starts, it runs well. I thought I would check points this morning even though they are fairly new. I found that there is not enough cam adjustment to open the point gap to the recommended setting. I searched previous posts and the Wiki but didnt find a solution for how to increase the gap. I am going to order and install the El Dizzy eventually, but would appreciate suggestions on how to resolve this issue. Please keep in mind that I put the monkey in monkey wrench. I dont mind tinkering with the car, but I am not what anyone would call an experienced mechanic.

It’s possible that you don’t have enough lube on the points can follower & it’s worn down. Try a new set of points & more lube.

Peace, Pat

Take a pic of the points contact point to the cam...perhaps the plastic cam follower is damaged? Also, you should be able to open the points appreciably using the adjusting screw in the oblong hole in the points mounting base

The points are reasonably new and the plastic cam follower shows no sign of wear or damage. The adjusting screw in the oblong hole does not open gap to the recommended setting at any point in its full travel. It gets close, but not to recommended specs. I was just wondering if there was a secondary adjustment that I am not aware of. I do have several new sets. I'll install one to see if it makes any difference. Its very likely that my car has the original distributor still in place. Im wondering if perhaps the cam lobes have worn down enough to affect the setting? It seems unlikely.

jrusso07 wrote: Wed Jan 22, 2025 4:26 pm Take a pic of the points contact point to the cam...perhaps the plastic cam follower is damaged? Also, you should be able to open the points appreciably using the adjusting screw in the oblong hole in the points mounting base

And post a photo of your gap setting tool, showing the gap size you're trying to get to.

Also, check your distributor shaft for side play. It sounds like either the points are defective or the shaft/cam are not pushing the rubbing block far enough.

I use a tool similar to this one to set the points dwell. Generally, point gap equates to dwell but for precise setting a dwell meter is better. You can also set the RPMs more accurately vs. the mechanical tach.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/166274411116?_ ... R46jlMuSZQ

Thanks all for the comments and suggestions. I wound up replacing the points with new and tinkered with the dwell. So far the car starts easily and reliably with each attempt. The old points still looked new but were apparently worn enough to cause intermittent issues. The weather here is still in the mid 70's (F) so "Rikkie" is back on the road.