Ignition Points w/Condenser Question

[Joe L.]

Re: Ignition Points w/Condenser Question

Like Joe said the "uniset" will work fine in an earlier distributor that originally had separate points and condenser, but purists may want to keep the original configuration.

Since your '65 has a 1.8 ohm ballast and a redline less than 5500 the "standard" point set if fine. The NAPA number is CS86. This same point set, manufactured by Standard Motor Products, is also available in a "Delco" box and boxes from all the other well-known aftermarket vendors, like BWD, so it comes down to price and convenience since the actual part in the various brand boxes is from the same plant.

You can cross the NAPA number to any other brand on that brand's web site cross reference, and the parts store should be able to cross the NAPA number, too.

I've never been able to find a replacement for the little wick. After our cars were built, the wick was replaced with an oil-wetted foam "cylinder" as OE - I think in the early seventies, but it disappeared from service a long time ago. Maybe Joe L. can fill in the details.

So the only option that I know of is to place a film of grease on the rubbing block notch, but use it very sparingly as you don't want it to fling off and contaminate the contact area.

One of the NAPA high breaker arm tension sets includes a (different design) felt pad and a capsule of grease. All point sets should have this IMO, but it's only included in the one high breaker arm tension set, and I recommend this set for engines with redlines over 5500.

Contact me via the TDB email link, and I will sent you an advance copy of the points article, so you can make a more informed decision.

Duke

Duke-----


I believe the felt wick style lubricator was GM #1949084. It was discontinued and replaced in May, 1972 by the GM #1852935. The latter is the style with the round, expanded foam rubber lubricator. The 1852935 was discontinued without supercesion in July, 1991.

One other advantage of the "Uniset" style points is that, in my experience, the design achieves and maintains much better alignment of the contact surfaces than does the standard-style contact sets.

[Michael H.]

Re: Ignition Points w/Condenser Question

The UNIset points package became available during 1970 model year .

Terry,

The uniset may have originally been available in late 1970 but it would soon be discontinued on new vehicles for a year or two. The concept of the one piece points/condenser was patented by someone other than GM/Delco and GM was forced to stop using it. I don't remember what year the Uniset once again became available.

This was the reason why GM released a complete point plate, points and condenser package, available somewhere around 1972-74.

I know I still have the TSB's on this somewhere but haven't been able to locate them.

Last year, there was a discussion on this and someone posted a picture of an NOS conversion kit but I'm not sure who it was. (Joe Lucia?)

[Robert S.]

Re: Ignition Points w/Condenser Question

I have a Spring of 74' built 74' and it came from the factory with the two piece RFI shield and the only type of points that will fit under this shield is the separate point and condenser design. It would appear that when GM settled the issue of the uniset design it would likely have been after points were not being used on the production line.

[Frank D.]

Re: Ignition Points w/Condenser Question

Larry M:

Thanks for the tip on purchasing the replacement wick from Long Island Corvette.

Frank