Oliver 60 eating condensers

Bevan

Member
I have an Oliver 60 on its third condenser in 18 months. The tractor has just a slightly rough run, almost a thready idle but hardly a concern. She will fire up regularly until she won't and then it's been because the condenser failed. I was wondering if it's the three-position light switch that can boost generator output and is causing the condenser life to shorten. Any thoughts?
 
Switch not likely to cause condenser problems.

Quality of today's replacement condensers is often suspect. Often no go right out of the box.

Since they ran awhile are you sure the condensers are bad. If you replace a condenser keep it, then try it again later.

Is the condenser mounting clean and free of corrosion? Especially the grounding tab. It is possible that when you change the "bad" condenser you are actually just restoring some corroded connections on the condenser or points.

Is the points gap changing?
 
Condensers are not rated by voltage but by microfarads. 16-19 as I recall. One size fits all.Ignition points are not rated as 6 or
12 volt. Spark plugs fire the same weather the tractor is 6 volt or 12 volt. The output of a coil is the same once at the
distributor. When we convert a tractor from 6 to 12 volts we have to change the 6 volt coil to a 12 volt or simply install an
ignition resistor.
 
I am going to try another condenser and points. A new condenser didn't get my spark back. I was tinkering with the points yesterday and one pad came off, so new points getting put on tonight.
 
The points were pretty dirty, cleaned them and then the pad came off. New points going on tonight. New condenser going on too, just for giggles. Inside of the distributer, under the rotor cap is pretty clean. I ran emory tape over any contact points just in case.
 
New condenser and points put in. I believe the points were burned out this time and the condenser was still good so it went back on the shelf as a spare. Any more of this fun and I think I am putting in a Petronix electronic ignition.
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top