Oil-Filled Condenser Mounting Orientation, Mallory 'Trashcan'

1

1930-Pickup

Well-known member
I picked up this large NOS Mallory 'trashcan' type oil-filled condenser.
By all indications, this will be the last condenser this Model A will ever have.

I intend to connect it at the ignition coil, and mount it behind the firewall.

Being oil-filled, I was wondering if there is a mounting orientation requirement.

Oil-filled ignition coils (transformers) have a mounting orientation requirement, and maybe capacitors do too? When I google this question, I get a wide range of answers, from "no orientation requirements" to "orientation is critical". Ah, the internet :confused:

Is someone familiar with oil-filled caps? Hoping to hear from someone in the industry (or is very experienced) who has knowledge regarding Design Intent and Good Servicing Practices.

Construction:
Non-polarized terminals (+ and Grd).
0.25MF
1500 VDC
Can is not grounded.
.
 

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I've replaced a bunch of motor start capacitors that blew all their oil out. They were made to start a motor turning on AC power so they generally don't have a very long duty cycle. It may last a long time and it may not. Nothing electrical lasts forever.
 
Dont know what your photo is but Thats not like any of the old mallory condensors ive run across And to best of my knowledge they weren't oil filled. Ive seen many split open from age. No oil comes out
 
I have run them in all positions and they never leaked.
If it leaks, get rid of it.
Another note, many of that type of old capacitors were filled with oil that had PCB (polychlorinated biphenyl) in it. It won't eat your hand off but should be well washed off if come in contact with.
 
Pete said:
I have run them in all positions and they never leaked.
If it leaks, get rid of it.
Another note, many of that type of old capacitors were filled with oil that had PCB (polychlorinated biphenyl) in it. It won't eat your hand off but should be well washed off if come in contact with.
Click to expand...

Many thanks Pete :)
 
Thanks to those who contributed to this thread

To close out this thread...

The original question was:
"I was wondering if there is a mounting orientation requirement (for oil-filled capacitors)"?

Results:
There were several opinions based on experience, but most of the opinions conflicted with other opinions. These results are similar to a general internet search. There was no definitive answer in this case.

Comments:
None
.
 
The trash cans type that I have seen look like an old fashion trash can with a large lid and would have been single lead. When I google that description in the title, what I see are non automotive condensers. But if it will work. This photo is of what I would call an automotive type Mallory trashcan;
 

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The later Mallory dual point distributors that I use work good with the same condenser that is offered for the later V8 points .
 
When GM first came out with their "alternatively connected" side-terminal battery, many people must have been very confused and rejecting of the entire idea.
 
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