Hi, I have a working but struggling 1981 240 DL, carburetor engine. Forgive me, but I know little about cars-- I can change the oil and that's about it (but I'm willing to learn!)

Points and condensor have been change every 4-6 months for the past 18 months because the car will cut out or not start. Our Volvo mechanic cannot figure out why the points are going so quickly, even though the condensors (he's replacing anyway) appear to be fine, he says. He has spent a few hours looking at it but cannot figure it out-- and can only suggest that I learn how to replace them myself so I don't have to bear his labor cost again next time.

Anyone have any ideas on what's going on?

Would it perhaps have anything to do with the fact that my wife uses the choke excessively (ie first 20 minutes running every time the vehicle's started?)

Thanks for any help!

Are the points burning evenly on both contact surfaces , or are they pitting on one side , cone on the other?
Have you had the ignition coil tested?
Are the points actually burning out or are the rubbing blocks wearing down pre-maturely requiring constant adjustment?
Are the eccentric surfaces on the distributor shaft rounded off( causing points to stay open too long)?
Are you ( or your mechanic) using cheap aftermarket points?