The Ford Barn

kimlinh · 10-23-2020, 05:12 PM

Last time out in my A the car started running a little rough on the way home. I couldn't find anything wrong. I suspect something electrical. How can I check the condenser to see if it is starting to fail. Can I use my VOM to check its condition? ( I know, use a new one). Is anyone using a remote mounted condenser? How well does it work?

Thank you for your responses

Anteek29 · 10-23-2020, 08:11 PM

Most fail during hot running condition...not measurable when cold.

eagle · 10-23-2020, 09:21 PM

Make sure your point gap hasn't closed up. Pull a spark plug strap off of a plug about a 1/4 inch and see if you have a nice hot steady spark. If its weak and or sporadic you may want to try a new condenser. You can test it with any DVOM that has a capacitance tester or else use an OHM meter, but it will likely test fine as you will be testing it cold. Otherwise get a can of Canned Air duster, hold it upside down and spray it on the condenser. That will cool it down. If the idle smooths out, replace the condenser. On the second question, yes you can install the condenser up on the firewall by the coil.

Jacksonlll · 10-24-2020, 06:01 AM

Just turn the key on and open and close your points with your finger or a stick. The spark when you open the point should be a clean spark, not a big messy one. YOur condenser is probably just fine. Clean the plugs and check that point gap.

Will N · 10-24-2020, 10:22 AM

In my experience, when a condenser is going, it's a lack of power, not rough running, that is a symptom. Was it hot out the last time you took her out when it ran rough? It could have been the gas boiling in the carb bowl, causing alternating too rich/too lean conditions.

Purdy Swoft · 10-24-2020, 10:30 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Many times when the condenser fails , after cooling it will restart and run for a short time .

.

Kurt in NJ · 10-24-2020, 11:30 AM

I used to collect condensers and test them, got good at changing them,had a lot of short term failures. Then I got the A&L burnout proof one, been 30 years, still good, have replaced the spare one several time replacing other peoples condensers though

I used the condenser checker on a dist machine, the failed ones many times worked again cold and would pass the test--till cooked in oven to 200 degrees

duke36 · 10-24-2020, 01:13 PM

If you belong to the MAFCA nat'l club, there is a new article about condensers.

10-23-2020, 05:12 PM	#1
kimlinh Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Middlebury,Connecticut Posts: 100	Condenser check Last time out in my A the car started running a little rough on the way home. I couldn't find anything wrong. I suspect something electrical. How can I check the condenser to see if it is starting to fail. Can I use my VOM to check its condition? ( I know, use a new one). Is anyone using a remote mounted condenser? How well does it work? Thank you for your responses

10-23-2020, 08:11 PM	#2
Anteek29 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Santa Maria, CA Posts: 985	Re: Condenser check Most fail during hot running condition...not measurable when cold. __________________ Alan 1929 Special Coupe 1941 Pick-Up 1955 Victoria

10-23-2020, 09:21 PM	#3
eagle Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Eagle Bend, MN Posts: 2,025	Re: Condenser check Make sure your point gap hasn't closed up. Pull a spark plug strap off of a plug about a 1/4 inch and see if you have a nice hot steady spark. If its weak and or sporadic you may want to try a new condenser. You can test it with any DVOM that has a capacitance tester or else use an OHM meter, but it will likely test fine as you will be testing it cold. Otherwise get a can of Canned Air duster, hold it upside down and spray it on the condenser. That will cool it down. If the idle smooths out, replace the condenser. On the second question, yes you can install the condenser up on the firewall by the coil. __________________ "There are some that can destroy an anvil with a teaspoon and shouldn't be allowed to touch anything resembling a tool."

10-24-2020, 06:01 AM	#4
Jacksonlll Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Michigan-- Member of Oakleaf of MARC Posts: 1,686	Re: Condenser check Just turn the key on and open and close your points with your finger or a stick. The spark when you open the point should be a clean spark, not a big messy one. YOur condenser is probably just fine. Clean the plugs and check that point gap.

10-24-2020, 10:22 AM	#5
Will N Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,101	Re: Condenser check In my experience, when a condenser is going, it's a lack of power, not rough running, that is a symptom. Was it hot out the last time you took her out when it ran rough? It could have been the gas boiling in the carb bowl, causing alternating too rich/too lean conditions.

10-24-2020, 10:30 AM	#6
Purdy Swoft Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 8,099	Re: Condenser check Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Many times when the condenser fails , after cooling it will restart and run for a short time . .

10-24-2020, 11:30 AM	#7
Kurt in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: on the Littlefield Posts: 6,155	Re: Condenser check I used to collect condensers and test them, got good at changing them,had a lot of short term failures. Then I got the A&L burnout proof one, been 30 years, still good, have replaced the spare one several time replacing other peoples condensers though I used the condenser checker on a dist machine, the failed ones many times worked again cold and would pass the test--till cooked in oven to 200 degrees

10-24-2020, 01:13 PM	#8
duke36 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 1,414	Re: Condenser check If you belong to the MAFCA nat'l club, there is a new article about condensers.

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