TOPIC 6. CONDENSER

TM 10-3930-644-14&P

TOPIC 6. CONDENSER

GASOLINE AND L.P.G. ENGINES ONLY

starting and low speed operation, may be indications of

this condition.

A. DESCRIPTION

B. SERVICE

An important, and often overlooked, part of the ignition

system is the condenser, which is installed in the

Original equipment condensers are designed for use

distributor.

The condenser provides an electrical

over a broad speed range of the engine. Contact pitting

reservoir where current can flow until the contact points

will result if a condenser of incorrect capacity is used.

are safely separated. The unit is constructed of several,

Examine contact points for excessive pitting: If pitted

layers of foil and insulator material. Alternating layers of

and the crater is on the positive contact, then the

foil are connected to either the terminal or ground.

condenser is over capacity. If crater is on the negative

contact, then condenser is under capacity. Under these

High resistance in a condenser is usually caused by

conditions a new condenser should be installed which

loosening, or corrosion of connections, which in turn

has a slightly higher or a slightly lower capacity than

causes the condenser to be slow in taking a charge and

conditions call for. The correct condenser capacity is .18

also causes high voltage at the contact points. Arcing

to .23 microfarads.

and rapid wear of contacts, along with missing during

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