PP164 cutter trouble?

Several times today trying to cut some angle my PP164 would only fire the starter arc but no cutting arc.
Then if the cutting arc did start, while in the middle of cutting, the arc would simply quit as though I had released the trigger, then spontaneously start again....all while continuously holding the trigger.
I finally got the cut made but it was a mess.
Any ideas?
Is this a symptom of misadjusted points?
Ground was attached directly to the part being cut, and the green light was on saying OK to cut.
Thanks, John

The unit does not have HF starting, so the HF points do not work for this. I'd check for worn consumables, missing swirl ring, or loose consumables. Also verify air pressure and dry air. OK to cut does not mean it is ideal to cut. You may need to raise your pressure.

Thanks Mark, I'll check those things...one thing I didn't mention was that I installed one of those $8 harbor freight dryers.
Maybe that was messing with my air flow.