Model B condenser
 

I have a model B distributor that I want to try. I already have a B timing gear cover and an ignition cable that will work. I had planned to use a model A condenser from A&L. Here's the problem: I see from Vince Falter's site that the 2 condensers have different capacitances.(.20-.25 microfarads for the A and .45-.63 for the B). Is the A&L condenser still a good choice?

Re: Model B condenser
 

I would use a condenser with the correct compactly.

Re: Model B condenser
 

Totally different condenser, Berts has new USA B condensers.
https://parts.modelastore.com/show_Product.asp?ID=4240

Bob

Re: Model B condenser
 

Does anyone know why there would be two different capacities?

Charlie Stephens

Re: Model B condenser
 

It may be because of the longer dwell time with the B distributor?


I have been told the grind on the B Distributor Cam is different than the A because they were trying to get more dwell time for better coil saturation and a hotter spark.


Chris W.

Re: Model B condenser
 

Just guessing here but I do know that the coil and condenser have to be matched or the points will burn out. Maybe Ford used a different coil with the B engine.:confused:

Re: Model B condenser
 

If that is the case, then we better warn all the guys running B distributor cams in their Model A distributors. I find the claim of such a great difference in capacitance hard to believe as I have used both A and B condensers in my Model B distributors, with no noticeable difference. I've even used the early V-8 condensers, again with no noticeable difference.

Re: Model B condenser
 

I wonder if the B reading is a misprint somewhere along the line?


All the ignition capacitors I know of are between .20 and .30 microfarads.

Re: Model B condenser
 

The condenser absorbs the current spike that occurs in the primary coil winding when the points open and the field collapses. So the condenser is a match to the coil, not the points.

Typically, distributor coils use a 600V, 0.25-0.29 microfarad condenser.

Re: Model B condenser
 

They will both work. The B condenser will store 2 times more energy (more electrons) which might provide a slightly hotter spark. I am just guessing this because I have never seen any testing results to prove that the B distributor with a 0.5 microfarad condenser works better than a 0.25 condenser. BTW 1 microfarad = 1 X 10 to the minus 6th farands.

Re: Model B condenser
 

Exactly right. That's why I guessed that because they used a different condenser, Ford might have used a different coil on the B engines.
FWIW,
A few years ago, I was building a replica 1920's Grand Prix car and I had bought a Bosch coil for it. I rang their technical department to find out what condenser should go with it. The young guy at the other end didn't have a clue what I was talking about but said that the "old guy" in the office might know. He'd ask and get back. To my surprise, he did ring back and was clearly amazed that the "old guy" knew without using a computer.:rolleyes:

Re: Model B condenser
 

My understanding is that, at some point, Ford no longer supplied the Model A-xxxx numbered coil as a replacement and directed the dealers to supply the Model B-xxxx coil for replacement in the Model-A. This would imply there wasn't much if any difference.

Re: Model B condenser
 

If the burned SPIKE is on 1 point, the capacity is TOO GREAT. If it's on the opposite one, it's TOO LITTLE. If NO SPIKE, IT'S JUST RIGHT!
Bill Scientific