1932/36 Condenser replacement.

[Graham Freeman]

My 1934 Cabriolet motor decided to go into don't want to start mode today.
It was traced to an electrical problem.
I am running a rebuilt NOS distributor with a Skip Haney rebuilt 3 screw coil (6 volt).
After swapping for a similar coil and condenser (individually) it was found to be a faulty condenser.
I now have to replace the condenser as it is only a borrowed one and wondered what everyone is using as replacements nowadays?
Thankyou.

[Brian]

I use one for a Nissan Skyline, available from supercheap Autos

[KiWinUS]

I have some NOS ones if you want a couple Graham.

[Bored&Stroked]

I don't try to run original NOS ones - as they're frequently bad as the insulation and mylar material inside of them tends to dry and crack. Then they short out internally. In many cases they will pass basic OHM meter tests, but fail in the higher voltage tests. You can't really test condensers with just an OHM meter, it only tests 2 aspects of them (and not the most important high-voltage test):

I have a special condenser tester - very few of the old/NOS ones will actually pass the tests. The tester actually charges them with a high-voltage and tests leakage, storage and flyback Just something to think about . . .

If you want to know a lot more about condensers and testing - here is a good article that really covers the subject - a good read. It came from some vintage motorboat folks:

Condenser_Testers_And_Testing_Correctly.pdf

[Bored&Stroked]

I use Vertex magneto condensers on my Harman-Collins distributors - as they tend to be very high quality (though expensive). They're about all I run these days.

[35fordtn]

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We use original brackets soldered onto a modern echlin condenser
https://thirdgenauto.com/product/193...oil-condenser/

[Kube]

I use a Hunt's Magneto condenser. I have used both the 28mfd and 32mfd units. GREAT reliability. With the coil you are using, solder the original "bracket end" on to the condenser and shove the Hunt's into the coil housing and attach the end with a screw and nut.

[Bored&Stroked]

Originally Posted by Kube

I use a Hunt's Magneto condenser. I have used both the 28mfd and 32mfd units. GREAT reliability. With the coil you are using, solder the original "bracket end" on to the condenser and shove the Hunt's into the coil housing and attach the end with a screw and nut.

That is what I'd do if I was running these early distributors. I tend to use the bigger 32mfd units (though they're about twice what the smaller ones are).

[Graham Freeman]

Thanks guys.
I think i shall go with the 3rd Gen option as have found them very good to deal with from here in NZ.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by Bored&Stroked

That is what I'd do if I was running these early distributors. I tend to use the bigger 32mfd units (though they're about twice what the smaller ones are).

For my cars and those clients that allow me to do what I prefer, I too use the 32's.
I think the last time I bought them; they were about $28. A bargain considering the confidence a guy gets with them.

[34fordy]

Originally Posted by Kube

For my cars and those clients that allow me to do what I prefer, I too use the 32's.
I think the last time I bought them; they were about $28. A bargain considering the confidence a guy gets with them.

And---most likely you will never need to replace it! Install and forget.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by 34fordy

And---most likely you will never need to replace it! Install and forget.

Yes sir!

[Bored&Stroked]

Here is where I usually buy magneto stuff - Spud is a good dude (he has built a few racing mags for me):

https://fuelinjectionent.myshopify.c...78aaf85e&_ss=r

[dean333]

I just ordered one from Thirdgen.

[Brendan]

Originally Posted by 35fordtn

We use original brackets soldered onto a modern echlin condenser
https://thirdgenauto.com/product/193...oil-condenser/

i have done the same thing , works good