I've just been perusing (that's when I put on my reading specs ) the Feb. issue of Practical classics magazine (U.K.). On page 109, there a query about failing condensers. The answer explains how the ignition system operates incl the condenser.

here's the final part :- A condenser is known in electronics as a capacitor ; typically 0.22 *micro*Farads and 400Volt. They're a bit crude by normal electronic standards. you can replace it with a longer-lived 'polyester film' capacitor, which are widely available on eBay. Make sure you buy one with long leads.

There is a picture of one fitted to a distributor - sorry I can't do a scan/upload.
It looks like a brown/orange rectangular moulded blob of plastic - I'd estimate it's size as approx. 20mm x 10mm x 3mm thick - it has 2 plain uninsulated wires coming out, one is connected to the low-tension connection on the distributor (i.e. where the small wire from the coil connects to the contact breaker connection (8mm nut) the other wire is fitted under an adjacent screw as an earth point. Seems simple to install. Being it's an electronic component, I'd imagine it's polarity sensitive i.e. the leads must be connected the correct way round - there's no markings visible on this capacitor the way it's shown installed externally on the side of the distributor.

I know there's several people on here that have considerable knowledge of electronics and hope they'll chime in with their opinions.

I recall many on here have posted having issues with apparent short condenser life - iirc 'the hobbler' has recommended a source of a better quality condenser on a number of occasions.

But would this 'polyester film' capacitor provide a better, more reliable replacement?

*Please note, I've typed 0.22 microfarad above, the magazine says 0.22 followed by a u with a long left leg, followed by F - I can't find the symbol for micro.

Al.

Not exactly ten a penny but near enough here:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Metallis...=263233145349702bf7620daa43acb4d77b5f90239a04

Couldn't get the above ^^^ link to open.

I was hoping some of the members here who have considerable knowledge of electronics would notice this thread and respond with their opinions on using this capacitor to replace a traditional ignition condenser/capacitor.

I'd hate to suggest using something unsuitable and cost others to waste their hard-earned money not to mention time and possible inconvenience/ suffer a breakdown.

Al.

F123C said:

I was hoping some of the members here who have considerable knowledge of electronics would notice this thread and respond with their opinions on using this capacitor to replace a traditional ignition condenser/capacitor.

Click to expand...

...perhaps someone can give an opinion....?

..a free article which explains a lot of the detail in reasonably simple language...

http://www.da7c.co.uk/technical_torque_articles/capacitors.htm

...da-daaa!!!!

http://nonlintec.com/sprite/cap_failure/

Hi Peter,

Many thanks for posting the above info on capacitors etc.
It was very interesting to see the research done by the authors on the reasons for capacitor failure, especially why new replacements don't seem to last long and also why the fault can be intermittent, working fine when cold, failing when hot then apparently recovering, only to fail when next hot.

Regards,

Al.

fiat500 said:

...perhaps someone can give an opinion....?

Click to expand...

Your image in post #4 matches the appearance of the 'polyester film' type capacitor that was shown in the article in Practical Classics magazine and that I was attempting to describe.

Al.

I’ve landed on this thread as have just had my first condenser failure (and possibly my 2nd almost immediately) after trying to solve a hot start issue that has involved carb rebuild, coil change (from Marelli toBosch Blue), new HT leads, points, cap and rotor change, valve clearance adjustment.

I’ve ordered a couple more standard condensers to get going again but just wanted to add that I’ve read elsewhere on this forum about the Swiftune Competition Condenser that has a good reputation.

I would think from Distributor doctor could be ok also.
Alan

There are 2 reasons why I have always recommended the "Swiftune" competition condenser--(1) they are a very high quality product and, possibly more importantly, (2) due the way that they can be mounted, with 2 long leads (I current,1 earth) they can be mounted remotedly from the distributor, and therefore out of the main enemy of condensers--HEAT. They can be mounted up by the coil. Just for interest, not only is heat the enemy of condensers, it is also detrimental to 'electronic' ignitions. Look at the stated heat range of the"123" distributors---minus 30C to 100 deg C. I can assure you, check the temperature of the body of the distributor after a longish run---you will find that it is well above 100Deg C!