Condenser

It stores energy for a period as determined by size, dielectric material, and circuit things.

You have to have a complete circuit just like a battery to charge or discharge.

In an ignition system one is placed across the ignition points to absorb some of the discharge energy (charge up) of the coil so that the points won't arc and pit. At the end of that cycle (firing one plug) it gives back the energy it absorbs (discharges) ready to do it again for the next plug's firing.

Mark

NOTE: The coil will still fire EVEN WITH CONDENSOR REMOVED but the points will burn up quicker plus the spark will not be quite as good.

Nowwwww www the condensor appears as an OPEN circuit to DC current flow once its charged up. A simple battery powered continuity test lamp should, therefore, show an open circuit if placed across its case and lead. If a test lamp continuity tester glows when connected across a condensor, the condensor is bad/shorted. HOWEVER, if a condensor is bad and becomes a dead short,,,,, the coil will not fire !!!!! !!!

Therefore, if she fires with the condensor removed or disconnected (EITHER from lead to points or its not grounded) but does not fire if its in place, THE CONDENSOR IS LIKELY BAD/SHORTED.

Hope this helps, good luck n God Bless

John T Nordhoff retired electrical engineer in Indiana usually lurks on the JD page

Don't know what you are working on, but for a condenser to produce it's leveling effect, it has to be grounded, but it is not going to result in a loss of system voltage as it's negative and positive sides are totally isolated from one another (given it is a good condenser).

That make any sense? :>)

Allan