How to install & adjust ignition points in your classic Ford Mustang 289

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Today we install and adjust a new set of ignition breaker points in your distributor and we explain how to adjust those. Todays example is performed on a 1966 Ford Mustang with a 289 V8. This procedure will be very similar to all your old classic mustangs and fords ranging from a wide variety of engines.

Alf's Mustang Garage is not responsible for any mechanical or technical error that you may encounter when working on your own car. You are responsible for your own quality control and your own proper repairs.

[ewusnr]

This is applicable to the 260 in my 1963 Falcon. When I bought the car twelve years ago, I was surprised to find that that its points had been replaced by a Pertronix electronic ignition setup. I may convert the car back to its original points. Thanks for posting.

[starzanhorse]

My grandfather taught me this when I was a kid. Instead of a feeler gauge he used book of matches paper, always worked🙂

[davidmitchell]

I learned this as a kid in the 80’s from my dad and uncles who have passed on. Damn, near forgot. Much, appreciated since I have a 66 Mustang…

[jfow]

Simple, straight to the point, great explanation

[alexd.]

Thank you, keeping spare points and condensor in the trunk as a pretronix backup

[daviddeleon]

This was actually very helpful. Thank you

[JasonLee-lvtm]

Thank you. Changing points on a 66 Ford Ranchero with a 289

[banjorob]

Explained well! However, the 2V means it is a 2 barrel carb, the V means venturi, one in each barrel of the carburetor.

[arturoaguilar]

Hello again Alfs mustang. My 67 i6 200ci is running idle after warm at around 800 ramps. But it not running at its best. But if i tap the gas peddle a little bit. Rev it up to 1000 rpms 1100 rpms it sound better runs better not like it hesitates.

[Madbootdestruction]

Great stuff. Well explained and in great detail, step by step. I need to bring my Stang over to you guys for repairs #experts #trust 🙂

[ewusnr]

At 3:21, you say, "If you have not timed your engine yet, you can do this very easily". What if you HAVE already set the timing?

[MaNuLaToROfficial]

i upgraded my 1971 ranchero that has a 351 cleveland 2v distributor with a petronics kit and no more adjusting points i love it

now i must do the same for my 1970 ranchero with a lil 250 ci 4.1 L I6

[cooldadstuff]

What is the gap for a 65' Mustang 2V 289, Stock distributor? Also, can they be gapped if the engine is already timed and not wanting to move the distributor to reach the high point on the cam? Thanks

[scottschmittmusic]

Thanks Just what I needed!.. I have a 53 wagon
Question.. since the cam is an octagon are there 8 high sides?

[mrfixit]

Is it the same 17 thousands of an inch for the 6 cylinder distributor also

[Toniz]

Hello! I have 65 289, does that car also has 0.017" gap? My feeler gauge set has only 0.016" and 0.020", is one of those okey ? thanks!

[scottschmittmusic]

I'm a little hard headed.. so when it's at its highest corner point it opens? Then you just make sure while it's opened that it's guaged 17 or when it closes after it's on the flat side you guage it?

[DANthefoxx]

I think I have bad points as I haven't touched them in a while on my 1965 Mustang. But I changed out the fuel filter a bunch of times in the past, and also got some new sparkplugs and a new coil a few years back. I may consider a conversion to electronic in the future as I don't really want to play with points all the time. Lately I have been getting misfires and pops and bangs when flooring it under 2000rpm and some hesitation when under 1000rpm. I made sure my choke was opening at operating temperature with the engine running. I may also need some new wires because in the 7 years or so I had the car I never changed my wires.

[valentinas]

Did I understand correctly that the gap is 0.0017inch? Thanks for your response.

[curtisraydiguilio]

I'm needing one for a inline 6 300 but can't find it