Figure 1. This is a six-volt non-waterproof system, typical as used
on most WWII-vintage military vehicles. A 24-volt, M-series
waterproof system differs mainly in the style of components and
the ignition coil is usually located within the sealed distributor
rather than mounted somewhere else on the engine. Both types of
systems, with the exception of late-model M-series vehicles, use
mechanical breaker points.Needless to say, the whole trip could have been ruined because I
hadn’t properly prepared for it. Fortunately, and once I managed to get
the waterproof outer cap off the distributor, I discovered that the inner
components weren’t much different from a civilian model. The breaker
points had simply slipped out of adjustment. Using a paper matchbook
cover (which is approximately .020 inches thick — a setting at which
most breaker point-equipped engines will run), I reset the points and we
were on our way again. We did have a cool adventure and returned
home without any more problems.
Breaker points: the basics
So, what are breaker points, what do they do, and why do they need
to be set, reset and replaced as part of a tune-up, along with other