Re: [ihc] ignition coil condenser

["Allan Ericson" <lowvolt@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Steve-

Not the condenser in the distributor. They're talking about the one on the
outside of the coil that is there for noise suppression. Everything you said
is true. Just off point.

I believe typical condenser value for a points ignition is about .23 ufd.
Just barely enough to give adequate delay to the collapsing field to give it
the ability to induce to the secondary of the coil.  A square wave, as you
suggest, will not pass through a transformer, which is why there is no spark
as the points close, but only when they open.

-Allan
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Steven Stegmann" <steve.stegmann@domain.elided>
To: "Howard R Pletcher" <n9ads@domain.elided>; <ihc@domain.elided>
Sent: Thursday, September 09, 2004 11:15 AM
Subject: Re: [ihc] ignition coil condenser


> Howard,
>
> Disconnect the condenser and try to start the engine.
> Mine won't even pop.  The capacitor is to provide a
> path to ground for the primary circut surge when the
> points open and the field around the coil collapses
> generating the spark.
>
> They use a capacitor because it will pass the surge
> current which acts like AC but will not pass the DC
> which is used to build the field in the coil.
>
> Steve
> --- Howard R Pletcher <n9ads@domain.elided> wrote:
>
> > The condenser on the coil is there to reduce radio
> > noise.  It should be
> > connected between the + terminal and ground.  I've
> > never dealt with the
> > actual values as compared to the one in the
> > distributor so I don't know
> > what is needed.
> >
> > Howard
> >
> >
> > On Wed, 8 Sep 2004 18:42:42 -0600
> > <spamaddy@domain.elided> writes:
> > > This is a dumb, basic question, but what's the
> > purpose of the little
> > > condenser looking thing that is attached to the
> > ignition coil mounting
> > > bracket?  Which side of the coil should it attach
> > to (positive or
> > negative)?
> > > And if I need a replacement (on a 345), does
> > anyone know how I
> > > should pick a new one (should I use the same thing
> > as is in the
> > distributor?)?