Re: ignition system condenser

Posted by Janicholson on October 18, 2006 at 13:58:46 from (199.17.6.122):

In Reply to: ignition system condenser posted by SDE on October 18, 2006 at 13:23:02:

Condensers die several types of death. The worst is intermittant operation that disapears when looked at but dies in the field. Condensers are a solid state device that unless physically damaged, or leaking goo, should not be changed if the points are wearing evenly and light grey color. (I know the argument may start, but I have seen as many bad new condensers as bad old ones) When they die it is usually a temperature related compromize that begins to breakdown when hot. Other times, they just short out internally and it stops sparking. They are basically two layers of rolled up aluminum foil with waxed paper between them, and the case connected to one layer of foil, and the lead connected to the other. If the connections break internally, they quit working. If the waxpaper (called a dielectric) "punctures" they short out and quench the spark very early. Testing with an OHM meter set on R X 1 is as follows: short the condenser so it is discharged. closing the points will do that with the ing off.
Then disconnect the coil from the dist. and put a piece of paper in the point gap. Touch the + ohm meter lead to ground, and the - lead to the terminal on the side of the dist. Watch the meter, it should show just a few ohms then steadily get more and more resistance over a few seconds. This is a modest test, and only uses a volt and a half or so from the ohm meter. (they normally see about 250 to 350 volts when in use in the circuit) Thus to really check it a capacitor condenser checker must be used, (or replace it) Good luck, JimN

Replies:

• Re: ignition system condenser John T 16:48:01 10/18/06 (0)

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