Condenser Heat Fail

[Anteek29]

After various troubleshooting efforts I finally solved a high speed miss and bucking under load in my '55 Vic. The car would run fine and smooth while driving for the first few miles and then start hesitating and grow worse. I suspected the issue was heat related and finally swapped out the Motorcraft condenser with an unbranded used condenser from the spare parts bin. Hooray - that fixed the problem!
Thought I'd share my story in the event someone else is having a similar issue.

[paul2748]

Unless the condenser was an old unit, I am surprised the Motorcraft unit was faulty. It is usually the china ones that go bad.

Originally Posted by Anteek29

After various troubleshooting efforts I finally solved a high speed miss and bucking under load in my '55 Vic. The car would run fine and smooth while driving for the first few miles and then start hesitating and grow worse. I suspected the issue was heat related and finally swapped out the Motorcraft condenser with an unbranded used condenser from the spare parts bin. Hooray - that fixed the problem!
Thought I'd share my story in the event someone else is having a similar issue.

[Anteek29]

Perhaps Motorcraft condensers are made in China? Seems most condensers are.

[rotorwrench]

Some are still hecho in Mexico. I still go for the Echlin brand even after the sale to Standard Motor Parts. Buy three and hope that at least one works as it should. Sometimes you can still get a good one.

[Daves55Sedan]

Originally Posted by rotorwrench

Some are still hecho in Mexico. I still go for the Echlin brand even after the sale to Standard Motor Parts. Buy three and hope that at least one works as it should. Sometimes you can still get a good one.

Thats exactly what I do. Got three Echlin brand condensers from NAPA last time I had to put one in my '55. That was two years ago and it is still going.
BTW....that Motorcraft condenser must have been pretty old. I don't think they've made them in a few decades

[Anteek29]

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Found a Tungsten brand OEM condenser at an estate sale in its original box.
The best feature of the find is the "Made in USA" stamped on the end of the condenser

[Daves55Sedan]

Personally, I would not install an old (N.O.S.) condenser. Ignition condensers have insulating materials inside the casing that break down with age.
A good condenser has a shelf-life that is proportional to the age and storage environment of the condenser. Normally, the older they are, the more prone they are to failing.
Although the brand name condensers of yesteryear (made in USA) lasted 20 years or more in normal operating conditions, they still eventually failed due to age.
I recommend finding the best brand you can and stay away from the chinese junk. Get 3 or 4 of them at a time and keep 5/16" wrench and screwdriver in glove compartment along with at least one of the new condensers for emergencies.