Points ignition question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Russell · 11-17-2004, 03:16 AM

What is the proper voltage for a points distributer, and how does the factory deliver that voltage? I'm about to break a motor in with a points dizzy, and I've never used one before, so yeah, I need some advice from the guys who know them best

The dizzy is all set up already and worked flawlessly when I pulled it out of the truck it was in, just need help figuring out the power supply

JimKshortstep4x4 · 11-17-2004, 07:15 AM

The factory installation is a resistance wire that comes from the ignition to the coil. When the points are closed, voltage will be approximately 7-9 volts.
When the points are open the voltage will be at battery voltage.

If your wiring harness does not have the resistance wire you can buy a resistor to install in between the 12 volt ignition wire and the coil.

Jim

Tx Firefighter · 11-17-2004, 08:15 AM

There is a bypass wire that goes to the coil too. It's the yellow (?) wire on the starter solenoid. While the engine is cranking over and starting, the coil gets full 12 volts through the bypass wire. Then, when you release the key back to the "run" position, the bypass wire goes dead and the coil gets it's voltage through the resistance wire.

The full 12 volts while cranking makes the engine start easier than it would if it were only getting the 7 to 9 volts that it gets while running.

11-17-2004, 03:16 AM	#1
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	Points ignition question What is the proper voltage for a points distributer, and how does the factory deliver that voltage? I'm about to break a motor in with a points dizzy, and I've never used one before, so yeah, I need some advice from the guys who know them best The dizzy is all set up already and worked flawlessly when I pulled it out of the truck it was in, just need help figuring out the power supply __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap)

11-17-2004, 08:15 AM	#3
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	There is a bypass wire that goes to the coil too. It's the yellow (?) wire on the starter solenoid. While the engine is cranking over and starting, the coil gets full 12 volts through the bypass wire. Then, when you release the key back to the "run" position, the bypass wire goes dead and the coil gets it's voltage through the resistance wire. The full 12 volts while cranking makes the engine start easier than it would if it were only getting the 7 to 9 volts that it gets while running. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

11-17-2004, 07:15 AM	#2
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	The factory installation is a resistance wire that comes from the ignition to the coil. When the points are closed, voltage will be approximately 7-9 volts. When the points are open the voltage will be at battery voltage. If your wiring harness does not have the resistance wire you can buy a resistor to install in between the 12 volt ignition wire and the coil. Jim



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