Condenser question

Soundguy

John T

I like the 'shock absorber moniker.. .. it's a very literan description.

Soundguy

YES its possible (depending on how "bad") a bad or incorrect sized condensor might prevent starting ESPECIALLY on a Magneto Ignition. She can still spark WITH NO CONDENSOR but the sparks weaker and the points would burn up quickly. Just like any other short at the points, a shorted condensor causes NO SPARK. The correct value and working condensor maximizes spark gap energy by controlling the rate of collapse n discharge of the coils stored energy PLUS saves the points from premature burn up cuz it absorbs (its like a big open bank waiting to accept electrons) some of the energy and reduces the arcing n resultant burning across the points.

Its possible to do a very preliminary test of a condensor using only an analog ammeter to see if its shorted or theres not much capacitor action at all BUTTTTT T that can only tell you if its BAD BUT NOT if its good..... ....that takes a true condensor tester.

If in doubt for no more then they cost TRY A NEW PROPER SIZED ONE is my advice.

John T

Without a condensor, the energy it stores and releases back into the coil is dissipated as HEAT from the arc across the breaker points, which WASTES energy that would otherwise contribute to a "HOTTER" spark.

Kent

• Hobby farm

If the condenser shorts, there will be no spark at all.

In between a poor condenser can lead to poor spark.

The condenser protects the points and makes the coil ring to get a fat blue spark that is better at igniting the fuel than a thin yellow spark.

If the condenser value is off, it will lead to material transferring from one point surface to the other. Either case makes the points last less well. No condenser or open condenser erodes the points most rapidly.

Gerald J.