08-20-2023, 12:49 PM | #1 |
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Condensors
I have inherited a Supco MFD-10 to test capacitors. What reading should I be looking for the signs that the condenser is good?
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08-20-2023, 01:21 PM | #2 |
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Re: Condensors
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08-21-2023, 04:24 AM | #3 |
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Re: Condensors
Great timing. I just received the same Honeytek A6013L yesterday, but even with the directions I am unclear on how to set it up.
Tom, where do you set the dial when testing a Model A condenser? Any other tips for the title of (EC), electrically challenged. |
08-21-2023, 04:46 AM | #4 | |
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Re: Condensors
Quote:
Set the dial to the 12 O'clock position, straught up. |
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08-21-2023, 07:52 AM | #5 |
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Re: Condensors
This is my practice:
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Bob Bidonde |
08-21-2023, 10:24 AM | #6 |
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Re: Condensors
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Only way to be sure is to test on an instrument that subjects the cap to a high voltage, like a Mertronic or Stevens ignition tester. Joe B PS, as a side note, it is curious that . 22 micro farad (or there about !) is a common size for many many engine applications, small 4 cycles, outboards and Model A's |
08-21-2023, 08:52 PM | #7 | |
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Re: Condensors
Quote:
The coil on small engines is usually located inside the flywheel along with the other ignition components. The coil is therefore limited in physical size. A coil of certain physical dimensions can only be designed to put out so much voltage and current. These small engine all have approximately the same room inside the flywheel so the various coils and caps are similar in size. A certain size coil will require a certain mfd. size capacitor. It is the inductance of the coil that determines this. Capacitors can vary all over the place in size PHYSICALLY but still be made with the same capacitance. A certain coil needs a certain capacitance to tune it to resonance. This results in a high impedance primary circuit which limits the average current so the points will live. Electronic controlled primary circuits don't have points so the primary circuit can be designed to carry more current in the same physical space, thus hotter spark. |
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08-21-2023, 09:13 PM | #8 |
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Re: Condensors
I've only tested a few dozen condensers, but it's been my experience that they tend to either pass all the tests or fail all the tests. I've had very few that pass the initial ambient temp capacitance test but then fail at high temperature.
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