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Discussion Topic:
Condenser
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flathead48 |
04-07-2013 @ 5:34 PM
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Member
Posts: 314
Joined: Dec 2009
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Having to replace condensers often on my 48 and was wondering if it could be mounted on the coil without loosing performance. Thanks
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supereal |
04-07-2013 @ 7:11 PM
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Senior
Posts: 6819
Joined: Oct 2009
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The condenser can be mounted on the coil as long as the mounting tab is properly grounded. The question is, why are you having to replace the condenser frequently? Good quality condensers of the proper rating should last for years. Is your system voltage above normal? Is the charging system exceeding about 7.5 volts? Is the ignition resistor in the circuit? Are you using a standard coil or an aftermarket type? All of these can shorten condenser life.
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flathead48 |
04-08-2013 @ 1:47 PM
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Member
Posts: 314
Joined: Dec 2009
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Thanks Supereal, charging system is working properly , I am using a 49. Coil with internal resistor. The point is when the condenser does go it puts you at the side of the road with a hot engine. Thought it would be better on top. Thanks again for your help.
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supereal |
04-08-2013 @ 2:37 PM
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Senior
Posts: 6819
Joined: Oct 2009
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Still doesn't tell why you have such a high failure rate. Many of the condensers today are poor quality. We generally reuse them rather that the ones sold in kits. We haven't had a condenser failure in recent memory.
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TomO |
04-09-2013 @ 7:17 AM
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Senior
Posts: 7250
Joined: Oct 2009
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I would change the supplier. I suspect that you are not getting quality replacements. Mounting the condenser on the coil will change the electrical characteristics of the circuit and you may see some metal transfer on the contact points.
Tom
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oldford2 |
04-09-2013 @ 12:08 PM
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Posts: 275
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TomO Tom, I have my condenser mounted up on the coil. 6 years and 12,000 miles on the points and still starts first turn. Can you explain "change the electrical characteristics of the circuit"? Thanks John
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supereal |
04-09-2013 @ 1:37 PM
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Senior
Posts: 6819
Joined: Oct 2009
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I suspect the reference is to the possibility of a long lead (wire) changing the capacity of the condenser. It would be slight, but some, nevertheless. Look for the growth of small peaks on the surface of your points. If pronounced, the condenser is weak or open. The condenser serves two purposes, to lessen arcing of the points, and to form a sort of tuned circuit with the coil to permit rapid charging. That is why a weak or open condenser results in loss of power. The capacity of a condenser used with a separate coil is .29 to .30 microfarads (mfd). If the coil is mounted on the distributor, the capacity is .33 to .36 mfd. Small, but important, difference.
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flathead48 |
04-10-2013 @ 7:02 AM
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Member
Posts: 314
Joined: Dec 2009
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What if you hooked the condenser to the dist side of the coil instead of running a long lead. Would that work? Thanks to all who have assisted with this issue
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TomO |
04-10-2013 @ 7:25 AM
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Senior
Posts: 7250
Joined: Oct 2009
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The long lead changes the resistance and inductance of the circuit. The change would be small in a 12" lead, but it could make a difference if the capacitor is at one end or the other of the acceptable range. There should be no need to place the condenser on the coil. A quality condenser will function for a long time mounted on the outside of the distributor. Condensers usually fail due to air leakage bringing moisture into the can and corroding the connections.You should always use fresh condensers in your ignition system and buy from a reliable supplier.
Tom
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deuce_roadster |
04-10-2013 @ 7:45 AM
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Member
Posts: 284
Joined: Oct 2009
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As a preventitive measure, I and many I know use a drop of "super glue" to seal where the wire comes out and along the end of the condenser to prevent what TomO describes about air and moisture getting inside. It can't hurt and may seal it up a little better.
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