Planet Minis

chimp

What is the purpose of setting the points gap? Is it only a method of checking to see if the points are worn and need replacing? I never set the points with a feeler guage, I use a static timing light to set the opening of the points at the f mark on the flywheel and thats it.

I never understood why you need to even bother checking the points gap when there is only one adjustment screw on the points body.

Someone fill me in if I am wrong.

LoudFastUgly

In simpler terms,

Points must close with sufficient tension as to create a good circuit for the primary side of the coil and allow it to build a magnetic field. When the points are opened, the magnetic field collapses, imposing a voltage on the secondary side of the coil (spark plug wire side). This voltage is magnified due to the high number of windings on the secondary side of the coil and then sent to the spark plug via the spark plug wire.

As the field collapses on the primary side (points open), current has the opprotunity to take the lazy way out and potentially arc across the points if they're set too closely together. Arcing on the points reduces life expectancy greatly.

The balance point is having the points set to open at:

A. the right time - ignition timing
B. the right amount of air gap. Prevent arcing of tips.

Honestly points and condensor should be replaced every 250 hours of service or annually, whatever comes first. Set it as per manual and forget it, the benefits of advanced ignition would not generally be noticable on a mini bike.

chimp

Thanks!