<VV> RE: On the Subject of Leaving the Key On

[Harry Yarnell]

The radio current doesn't flow thru the points. If the points are closed
and/or slightly oxidized, the constant current of leaving the ignition on
and the engine NOT running, CAN blue them. Has nothing to do with the radio.

Harry Yarnell
perryman garage and orphanage
perryman, MD
hyarnell1@earthlink.net

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: HallGrenn@aol.com
  To: hyarnell1@earthlink.net ; goofyroo@excite.com ;
virtualvairs@corvair.org
  Sent: Wednesday, September 22, 2004 4:11 PM
  Subject: Re: <VV> RE: On the Subject of Leaving the Key On


  I know I'm coming in late on this, but way back in the early sixties the
best mechanic I have ever known (excluding Corvair mechanics naturally)
showed me the "blued" points on a Chevy that had had its ignition switch
left in the "on" position to play the radio.  Normally the points make only
intermittent contact to allow the spark to build to high enough voltage for
the spark plugs and stay cool enough (remember Niehoff's vented points?).
But if the current from accessories like a radio is allowed to flow through
them they can't cool and overheat--they have to redressed with a point file
(I've still got one) or replaced.  It is the continuous high flow of current
through the points that overheats them.

  Bob Hall