Tune up frequency

[greg g]

Just returned from a bit of R&R out by the ocean. Thoughts now turn to getting geared up for the trip to NC. I put new tune up parts in my car when the engine was rebuilt. I have about 5500 miles on it since installation. I will be replacing the cap, rotor, points and plugs, save the current stuff for spares, probably splurge ona couple fuel filters. While I'm rooting around in there, I will lube the dizzy, the generator, and grease the water pump. I will check the fluid levels and air pressure in the tires and spare. Might need to take a couple cranks on the E brake cable.

So how often do you other folks do a tune up??? Seems 5000 miles is a bit early but better safe than sorry for a 1600 mile jaunt.

[norrism1]

Greg, Most tune ups where every 12,000/ 15,000 miles. Points usually where touched up with a "fine" file (Not silica or sand type) to flatten and clean corrosion of the points.

[Normspeed]

I like to inspect the stuff more often than replace it. I check the plug gaps every 2500 or so, and at that time pop the cap, inspect the rotor, cap and points. I use a dwell meter so I'll know without using a feeler gauge if the points need adjusting. If something starts looking funky in the distrib I might change all 3 parts at once or might just do rotor and cap, or just points and condenser.

I also keep a spare tune up parts set in "the trunk", along with some basic tools

[Jerry Roberts]

The quality of the tune up parts would make a difference too . The original Autolite parts are real good stuff compared to some of the re-pop stuff available .

[Normspeed]

in the 60s I heard a number of bad reviews on Blue Streak points. I think I have a set in my spares though.