[AT] Well, I guess I didn't really want it to be easy

[Rick Weaver]

Sorry to have to disagree Dean but every ignition problem I've had in
the past 5 years has been due to faulty condensers.  It amounts to about
4 replaced condensers in various tractors.

Rick 

-----Original Message-----
From: at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com
[mailto:at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com] On Behalf Of Larry D. Goss
Sent: Friday, September 29, 2006 9:30 AM
To: 'Antique tractor email discussion group'
Subject: RE: [AT] Well, I guess I didn't really want it to be easy

If the only reason a condenser is in the circuitry is to keep the points
from burning, then if you take the condenser completely out, the
ignition should still work -- but it won't.  Something's wrong here.  I
was taught that the coil and condenser worked together to form an
elementary I-C (inductance-capacitance) tank circuit.  I suspect that's
still true.  It's the breakdown and discharge of the circuit that causes
the voltage spike to cause the spark.  If that wasn't so, you'd be able
to hook an ignition coil directly to a battery and get a constant arc at
the spark plug.  I think we got away from that sort of ignition system
when Ford abandoned the buzz box coil.

Larry

-----Original Message-----
From: at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com
[mailto:at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com] On Behalf Of Dean VP
Sent: Friday, September 29, 2006 2:03 AM
To: 'Antique tractor email discussion group'
Subject: RE: [AT] Well, I guess I didn't really want it to be easy

They can be tested this way but passing this test does not guarantee
performance in a real life tractor application. The voltage applied by
the
voltmeter does not duplicate the actual voltage spike which occurs when
the
points open. A basic test but one that does not really test actual
performance under real life application conditions. These test results
can
be very misleading. False negative and false positive results can occur.


Most condensers (capacitors) only fail under high voltage conditions.
The
real purpose of these condensers is to extend point life and if they
become
open they will not cause ignition failure, only if they develop a short
at
DC or under high voltage spike conditions. A typical voltmeter will not
test
properly for these specific application conditions. 

Many are replaced inappropriately when they are operating perfectly.
Very
few condensers fail in real life applications. 

Dean A. Van Peursem
Snohomish, WA 98290

"Experience is a series of non-fatal mistakes."

www.deerelegacy.com

http://members.cox.net/classicweb/email.htm


-----Original Message-----
From: at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com
[mailto:at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com] On Behalf Of Spencer Yost
Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2006 9:09 PM
To: at at lists.antique-tractor.com
Subject: Re: [AT] Well, I guess I didn't really want it to be easy

Condensers can be tested with a simple multimeter.   Place the
multimeter
on the resistance setting, the red lead on the "pigtail", the black on
the
the metal side of the condenser.   Resistance should start at some
number(where it starts is immaterial).  It will then steadily build
until
it reads infinity/pegs the meter.  Anything else and the condenser is
bad

Of course, you could replace it as part of a tune-up, but there no
reason
to replace it blindly.

Spencer Yost
Owner, ATIS
Plow the Net!
http://www.atis.net

*********** REPLY SEPARATOR  ***********

On 9/28/2006 at 8:54 PM Dean Vinson wrote:

>Or I'd have bought one that was all restored and perfect.
>
...snip...
>Rick has been patiently suggesting I replace the condenser, so that
seems
>like next on the list.  Only trouble is I can't figure out how to get
the
>
>Dean Vinson
>Dayton, Ohio
>www.vinsonfarm.net


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