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EFV-8 Club Forum / General Ford Discussion / How to test Early Foed V8 Condensers?

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Discussion Topic: How to test Early Foed V8 Condensers?

1934 Ford

01-06-2024 @ 3:18 PM

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I've always carry spare V8 parts on tours, including the ignition condensers.
I think I have 4 old ones but have no idea if they are any good.
Is there an easy way test them to eliminate the bad ones?

1934 Ford's since 1972

37RAGTOPMAN

01-11-2024 @ 2:17 PM

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test condensor
Remove the condenser from the engine.
Switch the meter to the ohms position.
Place the red lead into the “ohm” connector on the meter.
Insert the black lead into the “com” or common connector on the meter.
Set the resistance range to the highest available setting (if it is selectable).
Connect the test leads together and zero the meter.
Touch the red lead to the hot connector on the condenser.
Remove the leads and reverse the placement to the condenser.
Movement from the meter’s needle indicates the condenser is good 12.
maybe this will help
37Ragtopman , Maine

1934 Ford

01-18-2024 @ 8:42 AM

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Thank you Ragtop,
That's exactly what I needed.
Paul

1934 Ford's since 1972

fenbach

01-18-2024 @ 3:29 PM

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37Ragtopman is right. But the condensers operate at high voltage, get hot and typically leak with age.
In the Sep/Oct issue of the V8 Times, page 21, Frank Scheidt wrote:

Condensers are not subject to just 6- or 12-volts. They actually have to withstand upwards of 250-300 volts. They are generally rated at 500-600 volts and should be tested at these voltages. Heating them while on the tester is also necessary, because they are subjected to a lot of heat under the hood. A good condenser will not allow any voltage to pass through it. If leakage is indicated, that means voltage is passing through and it’s acting like a partial short circuit. This is often enough to kill or severely reduce the spark at the coil.

Even in the 60s, a set of replacement points always included a new replacement condenser. The message was, don't use old condensers! I think you're much better off carrying a brand new condenser as a spare.

1934 Ford

01-22-2024 @ 5:46 PM

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They problem is that there are No New Condensers that fit thru the coil like the original. Most guys Jury Rig them and it no longer looks original.

1934 Ford's since 1972

This message was edited by 1934 Ford on 2-22-24 @ 11:15 AM

dlpierson

02-11-2024 @ 10:18 AM

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Can 37ragtopman please expand on his test procedure. Lost it after “touch red lead to the hot connector…”

dlpierson

02-11-2024 @ 10:21 AM

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Forgot to say my condenser test question applies to 49 and later cars

ndnchf

02-16-2024 @ 3:08 AM

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Testing with an ohmeter is a start, but not really the best way. Back in the day, testers were developed specifically for checking coils and condensers. This Herbrand tester is from the 1940s. It tests condensers dynamically, under load, running with a coil. It can even preheat the unit under test. I use this tester regularly in my shop.

https://youtu.be/7thA6UA5kbk?si=VXviLm3-I1VQlYwS

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