Ignition Points and Condenser Replacement

Replace ignition points and condenser in the distributor to restore proper ignition timing and spark delivery on the 302ci V8 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Ignition points set × 1 — Use OEM specification for Ford dual-point distributor
• Condenser × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Distributor cam lubricant × 1 — High-temperature distributor cam grease

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake.
2. Turn ignition off and remove key.
3. Allow engine to cool to ambient temperature if recently operated.
4. Open hood and secure with prop rod.
5. Label all spark plug wires with cylinder numbers using masking tape before removal to ensure correct reinstallation.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove distributor cap
   Disconnect the coil wire from the center tower of the distributor cap. Remove the two spring clips or screws securing the distributor cap (this distributor uses spring clips). Lift the cap straight up and move it aside with spark plug wires still attached. Inspect the cap interior for carbon tracking, cracks, or worn terminals.
2. 2

   Mark rotor position
   Note the position of the rotor tip relative to the distributor body. Use masking tape on the distributor body to mark the exact rotor position for reference during reassembly and timing verification. This ensures you maintain correct base timing orientation.
3. 3

   Remove rotor
   Pull the rotor straight up off the distributor shaft. The rotor is held by friction fit on the cam assembly. Inspect the rotor tip for burning or erosion and the brass contact for wear.
4. 4

   Disconnect point set wiring
   Locate the primary wire connection on the points set (small wire from the distributor body terminal). Disconnect the point set primary wire by loosening the terminal screw. Note the wire routing and connection order. Verified detail (The 1972 F-100 302 uses a single-point distributor, so there is only one point set with one primary wire connection, not two.): On this single-point distributor, disconnect the point set primary wire by loosening the terminal screw. Note the wire routing and connection order.
5. 5

   Remove condenser
   Disconnect the condenser wire from the points terminal screw if not already removed. Remove the single mounting screw securing the condenser to the distributor body. Remove the condenser from its bracket.
6. 6

   Remove old points sets
   Remove the mounting screws securing the points set to the breaker plate (typically one or two screws). Lift the points set off the breaker plate. Verified detail (The 302 in this truck uses a single-point distributor with one point set. There are no dual independent point sets on this platform. A single point set is typically held by one or two mounting screws.): Remove the mounting screw(s) securing the points set to the breaker plate. Lift the point set off the breaker plate. The 302ci single-point distributor uses one point set.
7. 7

   Clean breaker plate and cam
   Use contact cleaner or a lint-free cloth to clean the breaker plate mounting surface. Wipe the distributor cam lobes clean of old grease and debris. Inspect the cam lobes for wear or scoring. The cam should have smooth surfaces on all 8 lobes.
8. 8

   Install new condenser
   Position the new condenser in its mounting bracket on the distributor body. Install the mounting screw and tighten securely but do not over-torque. Route the condenser wire to the primary terminal location.
9. 9

   Apply cam lubricant
   Apply a small amount of distributor cam lubricant to each of the 8 cam lobes. Use sparingly as excess lubricant can sling onto the points and cause fouling. Only a thin film is required on the rubbing surface.
10. 10

    Install new points sets
    Position the points set on the breaker plate, aligning the mounting holes. Install the mounting screw(s) finger-tight only. Do not fully tighten yet as gap adjustment is required. Verified detail (Single-point distributor has only one points set to install, not two.): Position the points set on the breaker plate, aligning the mounting holes. Install the mounting screws finger-tight only. Do not fully tighten yet as gap adjustment is required.
11. 11

    Connect primary wires
    Connect the condenser wire and points set primary wire to the terminal screw. Ensure the condenser wire connection is secure at the points terminal. Route wiring away from moving parts.
12. 12

    Set points gap - first set
    Rotate the engine by hand (using a wrench on the crankshaft pulley bolt) until the rubbing block of the points set is on the high point of a distributor cam lobe. Insert a 0.025 inch feeler gauge between the point contacts. Loosen the adjustment screw slightly and move the fixed point bracket until the feeler gauge has light drag when pulled through. Tighten the mounting screw and recheck the gap. Adjust if necessary.he gap. Adjust if necessary.
13. 13

    Set points gap - second set
    This step does not apply to the single-point distributor used on this engine and should be omitted. Verify the single point set gap is set to 0.025 inch as described in the previous step.
14. 14

    Verify points operation
    Slowly rotate the engine by hand and observe the points set opening and closing. The point set should open smoothly with consistent gap as the cam rotates. Check that no wires interfere with moving parts and that the rubbing block remains in contact with the cam.
15. 15

    Reinstall rotor and distributor cap
    Place the rotor back onto the distributor shaft, aligning it with the flat or key on the shaft. Ensure the rotor is fully seated. Reinstall the distributor cap and secure with the two spring clips. Reconnect the coil wire to the center tower of the cap.

Reassembly

1. Verify all spark plug wires are connected to the correct distributor cap terminals according to the firing order: 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8 (counterclockwise rotation).
2. Double-check that the distributor cap is fully seated and both spring clips are engaged.
3. Ensure no tools or rags are left in the engine compartment.

Verification

• Start the engine and listen for smooth idle with no misfiring or irregular firing.
• Connect a timing light and verify initial timing is within specification (typically 6 degrees BTDC with vacuum advance disconnected).
• Adjust distributor position if timing is incorrect by loosening the hold-down bolt, rotating the distributor body slightly, and retightening.
• Rev engine to 2000 RPM briefly and verify smooth acceleration with no hesitation or missing.
• Allow engine to idle for several minutes and verify consistent idle speed and quality.
• Recheck timing after engine reaches operating temperature as initial setting may drift slightly during warm-up.

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