1932/36 Condenser replacement.

G

Graham Freeman

Senior Member
My 1934 Cabriolet motor decided to go into don't want to start mode today.
It was traced to an electrical problem.
I am running a rebuilt NOS distributor with a Skip Haney rebuilt 3 screw coil (6 volt).
After swapping for a similar coil and condenser (individually) it was found to be a faulty condenser.
I now have to replace the condenser as it is only a borrowed one and wondered what everyone is using as replacements nowadays?
Thankyou.
 
I don't try to run original NOS ones - as they're frequently bad as the insulation and mylar material inside of them tends to dry and crack. Then they short out internally. In many cases they will pass basic OHM meter tests, but fail in the higher voltage tests. You can't really test condensers with just an OHM meter, it only tests 2 aspects of them (and not the most important high-voltage test):

I have a special condenser tester - very few of the old/NOS ones will actually pass the tests. The tester actually charges them with a high-voltage and tests leakage, storage and flyback Just something to think about . . .

If you want to know a lot more about condensers and testing - here is a good article that really covers the subject - a good read. It came from some vintage motorboat folks:

View attachment Condenser_Testers_And_Testing_Correctly.pdf
 
I use Vertex magneto condensers on my Harman-Collins distributors - as they tend to be very high quality (though expensive). They're about all I run these days.
 
I use a Hunt's Magneto condenser. I have used both the 28mfd and 32mfd units. GREAT reliability. With the coil you are using, solder the original "bracket end" on to the condenser and shove the Hunt's into the coil housing and attach the end with a screw and nut.
 
Kube said:
I use a Hunt's Magneto condenser. I have used both the 28mfd and 32mfd units. GREAT reliability. With the coil you are using, solder the original "bracket end" on to the condenser and shove the Hunt's into the coil housing and attach the end with a screw and nut.
Click to expand...

That is what I'd do if I was running these early distributors. I tend to use the bigger 32mfd units (though they're about twice what the smaller ones are).
 
Bored&Stroked said:
That is what I'd do if I was running these early distributors. I tend to use the bigger 32mfd units (though they're about twice what the smaller ones are).
Click to expand...

For my cars and those clients that allow me to do what I prefer, I too use the 32's.
I think the last time I bought them; they were about $28. A bargain considering the confidence a guy gets with them.
 
Kube said:
For my cars and those clients that allow me to do what I prefer, I too use the 32's.
I think the last time I bought them; they were about $28. A bargain considering the confidence a guy gets with them.
Click to expand...

And---most likely you will never need to replace it! Install and forget.
 
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