Are all points condensers the same?

Any condenser of the same value will work. They are indifferent to voltage but the capacitance (microfarads) should be the same or at least close. They aren’t that accurate from new. If the condenser is perfect your points won’t burn.

Do ignition condensers go bad?

Yellow Sparking If you suspect the condenser is going bad, you can sometimes tell by watching the engine run while it is in idle. The point cover needs to be removed and some engines won’t run without it, but if the condenser is going bad, you are likely to see a large yellow spark jump between the two contact points.

Why do ignition condensers fail?

If your car has standard ignition system wiring and a ballast coil, current flow through the circuit will be excessive and the points, condenser, and coil all may fail prematurely.

What will a bad condenser do?

A failing points and condenser system can cause rough running, misfires, lean and rich conditions. If your vehicle runs rough, the engine will not fire, or the vehicle will not start at all, it may the points and condenser system that is the issue.

How does a points ignition condenser keep current flowing?

The condenser acts a sort of an ” electrical accumulator” The condensor keeps the “arcing” of the points down. However the coil does not keep the current flowing. The coil is just what the name implies…its a coil of wire with a core. As the current flows in the coil a magnetic field is created.

Where is the grounding point on a condenser?

The metal case of the condenser is the grounding point. Discharge the condenser by shorting the lead wire to the case. 2.) Switch the meter to the ohms position. Place the red lead into the “ohm” connector on the meter. Insert the black lead into the “com” or common connector on the meter.

Can a bad points and condenser system be repaired?

If your vehicle runs rough, the engine will not fire, or the vehicle will not start at all, it may the points and condenser system that is the issue. YourMechanic makes getting repairs to your points and condenser easy by coming to your home or office to diagnose or fix issues. You can book a service online 24/7.

What does a condenser do to a coil?

The condenser is an old time term for a capacitor. The reason it is there across the points is that without it, when the points open, the coil will try to keep current flowing, so it causes an arc across the points. This can wear out the points really fast, or even weld them closed.

What was the purpose of points and condenser ignition?

Its purpose is to ignite the air/fuel mixture in the engine’s cylinders and begin the power stroke. Almost every car built in Britain before 1980 used the traditional Points/Condenser ignition system shown below.

What happens when the points close on a condenser?

When the points closs, the condenser voltage is clamped at zero, and current from the battery “charges” (via a building magnetic field), the primary side of the coil. When this is complete, the current flowing through the coil is now constant. When the points close, the condenser has two functions.

How can you tell if an auto ignition condenser is going bad?

If you suspect the condenser is going bad, you can sometimes tell by watching the engine run while it is in idle. The point cover needs to be removed and some engines won’t run without it, but if the condenser is going bad, you are likely to see a large yellow spark jump between the two contact points.

Are all points condensers the same?