point replacement

[MW1]

i have a fairbanks morse 1 1/2. the points are worn all the way down to the cast iron. how do i replace these? the engine hits once then will not run anymore?????????? is this my problem?

[Andrew Mackey]

I take it that this is an igniter engine? If so, yes the igniter needs points. See Hit & Miss enterprises, sponsers on site - they install points.
Andrew

[MW1]

thanks for the reply.my problem is i have spent 2 years building an ice cream machine with this motor. this my first project with a hit and miss and would prefer to do all work myself. can i press new ones in? if so where do i get the point material?

thanks again

[Joe Morris]

M W 1 You can make your own points, just file or grind off the back side of the points, knock them out and make new ones out of soft metal such as a nail. soft metal arcs better than hardened steel. When you make them don't make them too long. Just a bit longer, or thicker than the head of a common nail. Why?? if they are to long they come together too soon which means that as they come together is when the spring begins to be cocked/ wound, which is o k except for one thing, with the points are too long they delay seperating until most of the snap in the spring is used up before the points open, so the most of the quick snap apart is already lost, as the spring or springs in some cases have been partially unwound and the secret for a good hot spark is the quicker they snap open the hotter the spark.If this don't make sense e mail me and I will try to explain it further. I hope this will help. Its a good hobby. been restoring for 24 years Still learning. Joe Morris in east Tennessee