[AT] Condenser testing

[bradloomis at charter.net]

Note to self, include hyperlink
https://mgaguru.com/mgtech/ignition/ig129.htm


-----Original Message-----
From: bradloomis at charter.net <bradloomis at charter.net> 
Sent: Monday, May 11, 2020 3:28 PM
To: 'Antique Tractor Email Discussion Group' <at at lists.antique-tractor.com>
Subject: RE: [AT] AT Digest, Vol 28, Issue 7

Since a 'condenser' is really a capacitor, I found this explanation of how
to test. My Fluke has a microfarad setting so it was easier but then working
with motor start and run capacitors is a different world. Regardless this
tells how to test with an ohm meter. Granted this method is generally easier
with an analog meter, you can actually see the needle swing where as a DMM
will just flash numbers. Particularly difficult on a small condenser. 
Bradford

-----Original Message-----
From: AT <at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com> On Behalf Of STEVE ALLEN
Sent: Monday, May 11, 2020 2:39 PM
To: at at lists.antique-tractor.com
Subject: Re: [AT] AT Digest, Vol 28, Issue 7


----- Original Message -----
Message: 7
Date: Sun, 10 May 2020 19:53:23 -0500
From: Phil Auten <pga2 at basicisp.net>
To: at at lists.antique-tractor.com
Subject: Re: [AT] Project Updates '49 A, '51 A, and '47 B (STEVE
	ALLEN)
Message-ID: <168f1f90-8d7a-1eef-e95e-28fb0fa7e41b at basicisp.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed

'49A - If your points are clean and reading .5 ohms when closed and .7 ohms
with cardboard separating the points, your points are shorted. With the
cardboard in, they should read an open circuit, and .5 ohms when closed says
your contacts aren't making contact well. If you took those measurements
with the points installed, disconnect them and retest. If the points read
0.0 ohms closed and open circuit with the cardboard in, then the problem is
elsewhere.
'49 A: I forgot to mention, if the points measure correctly outside the
distributor you may have a bad coil.

Phil in TX

Phil,

Remember that the points set in a Wico X mag is two separate pieces.  If I
take them off, I can screw them back together and check for continuity, BUT:
while mounted in the mag, the fixed one is in contact with the case of the
mag, and the other, the one that moves, is in contact with the terminal of
the condenser.  Now, let me speculate here:  
the terminal in the condenser does not touch the case of the condenser,
right?  So, the two points should not have continuity because the one is
connected to the terminal and the other is "connected" (through the case) to
the mag case.  UNLESS there is continuity inside the condenser.  I do not
understand condensers well at all, but *SHOULD there be continuity between
the case of the condenser and the terminal of the condenser*?  
If not, that may well be my problem (per Cecil).  I will investigate
tonight.

BTW, I know that the shaft is turning and that the points are opening and
closing:  I have verified that much by turning the crank.

The "original" Steve Allen
Who is avoiding the local Menards


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