I finally have to do it, clean those triggering contacts....I thought it might be a good idea to replace them as they have been triggering since 1975....I can't find any listing. So my question is: do you other 164 enthusiasts just keep cleaning them or are they available somewhere? My problem is inconsistant starting. All other ignition stuff has been replaced and I've checked fuel pressure and injectors. The engine wants to start but doesn't keep going until I've cranked and cranked, cursed and cursed and then when I finally say please it starts and I beat feet for home. The next time I go to start it she fires right up! So it's triggering contact cleaning tonight, but I'm open to other advice...glad you folks are out there....Thanks

Triggering contacts have very small amounts of current to deal with, so they don't wear like ignition contacts. Your problem sounds to me more like a bad (or erratic--read poor connection) cold start injector or thermal timer.

The only problem I ever had with the trigger points was when (a) I soaked them with water when washing the engine down; and (b) the lobe followers wore down so much they didn't want to open. That can be remedied by bending the point contact slightly. The problem is in determining their dwell, which, keep in mind, is not particularly critical. You can verify their openning and closing with a continuity check between the plug-in contacts, with the center contact being common to both points and the left and right contacts leading to respective trigger points. I always found it easier to pull the distributor from the engine (remove the retaining bolt, don't loosen the ignition timing pinch bolt) and spin it by hand versus trying to do it while installed and having to crank to engine. As I recall, I basically shot for about 180 deg of dwell, just to make darn sure they were definately openning and closing.