Classic/Antique Car Repair/model a condenser

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Expert: - 8/5/2009


Question
is there a method to test a model a condenser to determine if it is good or bad?  If there is, will you share it with me.
Thank You
Steve

Answer
The only test I know of is what an old timer told me years ago.  Turn the key on and make sure the points are closed.  Open the points and if there is a big spark, the condenser is bad.  It should be only a very small spark.
The probability of a condenser going bad is very low, but on a Model A, the hot exhaust manifold can fry one.  A lot of us put heat shield on to prevent this, or put the condenser inside, or som place away from the heat.  Just replace it if you think it is bad, but try the spark trick first.
Good luck
jack

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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jack bahm

Expertise

Only repair type questions on the 1928-1931 Ford Model A.

Experience

Owned one when I was 15 yrs old, and now have owned 5. Still own and play with 2 of them.

Organizations
Oakleaf region of MARC. Model A Restorers Club. I have put several Model A videos on the Oakleaf site that may be of help. Things like how to start the A, how to Time it, how to troubleshoot it.. Go to oakleafregion.org and you will find them. jack

Publications
"More than you need to know about cars." Just a small book for Car Nuts. Blurb.com "Model A Ford Tips and Hints" Blurb.com 2010 Many Model A movies that can be found on youtube.com/jackbahm

Education/Credentials
BSME LSU, 1958, Masters of automotive engineering from the Chrysler Institute of engineering, 1960, MBA Mich State, 1976. Worked as an engineer at Chrysler from 1958 to the end of 1991.

Awards and Honors
Two patents while working in auto industry.

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