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Old 11-24-2020, 09:16 AM   #1
kimlinh
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Default Condenser mount

Is mounting the condenser directly to the coil more reliable than mounting it to the points? What condenser is best to use for this? What side of the coil do you use (+ or-) ? If your running this set up how do you like it? I have a stock 6 volt system. Thank you in advance
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Old 11-24-2020, 09:41 AM   #2
Bob Bidonde
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Default Re: Condenser mount

Try this condenser mounting.
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Old 11-24-2020, 10:24 AM   #3
Purdy Swoft
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Default Re: Condenser mount

I mount the condenser on the switch side of the coil on some of my model A's . This will be the side of the coil that uses the red wire if the wiring is original style . This isn't necessarily more reliable but is an easier place to remove or replace the condenser . The condenser may run cooler and last longer . While its not original , I do like mounting the condenser in this manner . I use the last condenser that Ford used on the V8 engines before going to electronic ignition . This is the modern condenser that is offered by most model A parts vendors . This condenser is usually available at NAPA or other modern parts vendors . The condenser can be used on either six or twelve volts . I like mounting the condenser in this manner and it seems to last just as long as the original .
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Old 11-24-2020, 11:01 AM   #4
Kurt in NJ
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Default Re: Condenser mount

I have stock location condenser, 35 years same one,(A&L )-- how much more reliable do you need
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Old 11-24-2020, 11:52 AM   #5
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Default Re: Condenser mount

38 years ago I was having trouble with the condenser burning out because of the manifold heater over heating it. I moved the condenser to the fire wall and haven't changed it in 38 years. Never could tell any difference in performance.
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Old 11-24-2020, 12:20 PM   #6
Patrick L.
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Default Re: Condenser mount

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The condenser doesn't care about the system voltage, 6 or 12 is fine.
Just connect the condenser the same polarity as the points. If system polarity is positive ground as original, then points are/should be attached to positive side of coil. The condenser is mounted in parallel with the points. Whether the condenser is in the distributor or at the coil makes no difference.
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Old 11-24-2020, 06:54 PM   #7
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Default Re: Condenser mount

Quote:
Originally Posted by Purdy Swoft View Post
I mount the condenser on the switch side of the coil on some of my model A's . This will be the side of the coil that uses the red wire if the wiring is original style . This isn't necessarily more reliable but is an easier place to remove or replace the condenser . The condenser may run cooler and last longer . While its not original , I do like mounting the condenser in this manner . I use the last condenser that Ford used on the V8 engines before going to electronic ignition . This is the modern condenser that is offered by most model A parts vendors . This condenser is usually available at NAPA or other modern parts vendors . The condenser can be used on either six or twelve volts . I like mounting the condenser in this manner and it seems to last just as long as the original .

By any chance, would you be able to post the NAPA part number? Thanks in advance.


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Old 11-24-2020, 10:21 PM   #8
Purdy Swoft
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Default Re: Condenser mount

I don't have the part number .
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Old 11-24-2020, 11:09 PM   #9
PalAl
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Default Re: Condenser mount

Search "modern points and condenser" lots of info
Start here and read down a few for part numbers
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...ints+condenser
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Old 11-25-2020, 05:19 AM   #10
shew01
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Default Re: Condenser mount

Quote:
Originally Posted by PalAl View Post
Search "modern points and condenser" lots of info
Start here and read down a few for part numbers
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...ints+condenser

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim/GA View Post
There are many vehicles that the points and condenser work on. I always explicitly ask for them for a "1973 Ford LTD with the 400 CI engine". The kid looks it up in the computer and comes out with the right parts.

NAPA has them, O'Reilley has them.

.
Thanks, this should work.


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Old 11-25-2020, 08:17 AM   #11
Patrick L.
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Default Re: Condenser mount

Points or condenser ?

Buy the expensive ones. [ or a NOS]
NAPA may have them in stock or can overnight them. Ford V8 points are the same, I don't recall any change thru the 60s-70s [except for the dual pointers]. I think the condenser # is FA-82 but would have to look it up.
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Old 11-25-2020, 10:44 AM   #12
wwirz
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Default Re: Condenser mount

What is the A&L part number and where can I purchase this condenser (or several). I have had a "short proof" condenser fail. Coil is brand new and mounted with proper polarity.
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Old 11-25-2020, 10:59 AM   #13
katy
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Default Re: Condenser mount

Ford P/N C5AF12117
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Old 11-25-2020, 02:50 PM   #14
Patrick L.
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Default Re: Condenser mount

Quote:
Originally Posted by wwirz View Post
What is the A&L part number and where can I purchase this condenser (or several). I have had a "short proof" condenser fail. Coil is brand new and mounted with proper polarity.
Just had 5 bad ones, I think they had a bad batch. I also think they moved or sold.
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Old 11-25-2020, 06:27 PM   #15
Purdy Swoft
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Default Re: Condenser mount

Were the condensers A&L condensers ?
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Old 11-25-2020, 07:52 PM   #16
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Default Re: Condenser mount

Yep
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