Condenser location

[flatheadfan]

I have a '37 distributor with the condenser attached to the coil side which can be cumbersome to get at when things need checking. Would it be possible to relocate the condenser to a more convient location such as the front of the intake manifold and run a wire to the normal condenser post on distributor? I read the techno source articles on condenser location and it seems it could be done on a 59 engine. Any thoughts???

Thanks

Tom

[Mart]

I believe it is possible to do that. I do not know at what distance of remote location the effect of the condenser would be effected. A few inches like you suggest would be ok. Worth a try at least.

I ran my 40 with the coil and condenser on the inner fender panel and could not detect a problem.

Mart.

[BUBBAS IGNITION]

The condensor should always be close to the ignition coil.


Need to clarify. The orginal poster was discussing a 37 Helmet distributor , the location should be close to the coil ( and points in this case).

Think about what the condensor does : The condensor prevents arcing at the contacts by providing a temperory( if false) route for current to travel when contacts just begin to open.
Each condensor is calibrated to handle the coils primary current flow as well as the snap or induction of the ignition coil.
Could very well function at any distance from contacts assuming the capacity . leakage and resistance is correct for the application.

[Henry/Kokomo]

"Close to the coil" = short conductor length as opposed to physical proximity, right?

[Mart]

Originally Posted by BUBBAS IGNITION

The condensor should always be close to the ignition coil.

With respect, Jim, don't you mean close to the distributor, as that is where most stock setups put 'em?

I've never heard anyone recommend locating it at the coil rather than at the dist.

Mart.

[Bill OH]

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I installed about an 8" wire from the Condenser - Coil connection up along the ign wire conduit and plastic strapped it in place. I put a ball of solder on the top end - easy to connect a dwell tach.

[FlatheadTed]

Near the coil away from the distributor, see my new post .

[JSeery]

On a dirt track car with a Mallory distributer the Mallory tech folks claimed the condenser did not need to be located near the distributer. Ours was about 24 inch from the distributer, don't remember how far it was from the coil.

[bobH]

In contrast with the experts here, I've had the condenser attached to the coil, up high on the left inner fender panel, on my 47 with stock 59A, for at least a dozen years. No effect on performance or point wear that I can see.

[FlatheadTed]

Flatfan As your question .I to have run it well away from the distributor at the manifold for 13 years now with no side affects,Check the link
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=158296













.

[oldford2]

Originally Posted by Mart

With respect, Jim, don't you mean close to the distributor, as that is where most stock setups put 'em?

"I've never heard anyone recommend locating it at the coil rather than at the dist."

Mart.

Ok, Mart, A first time for you. "I recommend locating the condenser at the coil". Sure makes it accessible and in 12,000 miles I have never noticed a problem with it's location. John

[Walt Dupont--Me.]

Where ever you mount it make it has a good clean ground mounting spot and a tight hold down bolt. Walt

[supereal]

As long as the connections are clean and tight, the condenser can be remounted away from the distributor. My " road kit" contains a condenser with long leads, and it works fine. When the coil was placed away from the distributor, the condenser was often mounted on the terminal post that holds the input wire to the distributor.

[bobH]

With regard to Walt's comment, post 12, I ran a seperate ground wire from where the condenser is attached (post 11), down to the distributor housing - just for 'insurance'.