ignition condensers (capacitors}

J

john gosnell

Member
Just a query, apart from fitting styles are condensers all rated the same? for example I have a condenser (new) from my 2.2 p6 and it is the same fitting style as my sons mk3 ford zodiac 6 cylinder, can it be used on his car ?. I now have electronic ignition so it is no longer needed.


Regards John
 
I cannot say they are the "same", but they are all rated similarly and are interchangeable. I have fitted all sorts over the years even strapping a totally different one on the side of the distributer to get me home.
 
they are all nearly the same. voltage is fairly standard though there are 24 v systems that may not work well on a 12 v car dizzy?. the real difference other than working voltages is capacity. however as long as it 'fits' in or on dizzy it will most likely function perfectly well. these units tend to have a wide tolerance band. the higher capacity being better with for assisting spark and reducing wear on points. essentially do NOT exceed working voltage max on capacitor and higher capacity is better . ( think if that bit as size of fuel tank- bigger is better)
 
The main failure of condensers in my experience is right out of the box, or shortly afterwards. Get a good Lucas one in, and do not change it. Carry a spare with you. I used to change them at a points change as maintenance. However this is when I experienced condenser failure.
 
Hi, Yes it was common practice to change the condenser when doing the points, nowadays with questionable quality items it's not advisable. Just because it says Lucas on the box doesn't mean it's Lucas in the box. Sadly.

Colin
 
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