The Ford Barn

Lawson Cox · 07-18-2018, 01:55 PM

I have a crab distributor with 46-48 coil set up. Can condenser location be changed to where the coil mounts, for easier access to change condenser?
Thanks in advance for helping the electrically challenged,

Just how does one go about doing that?

deuce_roadster · 07-18-2018, 02:05 PM

I think that it might make a theoretical difference to points metal transfer but would not make any practical difference. I keep a condenser with long leads and alligator clips for helping out if a car dies on a tour because of the condenser.

FlatheadTed · 07-18-2018, 02:49 PM

Just mount it on the coil bolt and the wire to the distributor side on the coil terminal ,The covenace of having it there verses any slight change in point life and Mf is meniscal ,I have run one like that for about 25 years .Ted

BUBBAS IGNITION · 07-18-2018, 03:15 PM

Lawson when using the fa54 condensor from NAPA usually that isnt a problem on the crab distributor.
However you could mount it anywhere you want using good connections and a good ground. Electrically they function best when mounted close to the points.

Are ya having a failure or expect to have one ?????

42guy · 07-18-2018, 05:41 PM

I have been running my condenser mounted at the coil for 15 yrs. I use a 1963 Mopar condenser which is rated at about 32mf. according to their tech support. This would make up for loss due to the lead wire length. Suppose to end up with a 28 mf. condenser.

Lawson Cox · 07-18-2018, 09:20 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by BUBBAS IGNITION

Lawson when using the fa54 condensor from NAPA usually that isnt a problem on the crab distributor.
However you could mount it anywhere you want using good connections and a good ground. Electrically they function best when mounted close to the points.

Are ya having a failure or expect to have one ?????

Thanks Jim. No, just trying to figure out how to simplify working on these old Fords due to my "advancing age" LOL

big job · 07-19-2018, 04:16 AM

I have worked on many industrial or big trucks & buses. Most had condensers about
the size of a C flashlight battery mounted on the coil and a lot of those were 12 vt pos
ground coil mounted on the fire wall. I still have some of those big condensers & they
have a screw on top. Now I think about it, think I'll try one. I remember never had
condenser problems on those.. Also the coil was as big as a finned coffee can. sam

Just remembered there was no resistor either

07-18-2018, 01:55 PM	#1
Lawson Cox Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Above the gnat line in Georgia Posts: 7,009	Changing condenser location I have a crab distributor with 46-48 coil set up. Can condenser location be changed to where the coil mounts, for easier access to change condenser? Thanks in advance for helping the electrically challenged, Just how does one go about doing that? __________________ Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer to the end, the faster it goes. It is better to be seen, than viewed. "We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm".

07-18-2018, 02:05 PM	#2
deuce_roadster Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Shelton, WA Posts: 3,799	Re: Changing condenser location I think that it might make a theoretical difference to points metal transfer but would not make any practical difference. I keep a condenser with long leads and alligator clips for helping out if a car dies on a tour because of the condenser.

07-18-2018, 02:49 PM	#3
FlatheadTed Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Auckland Posts: 4,700	Re: Changing condenser location Just mount it on the coil bolt and the wire to the distributor side on the coil terminal ,The covenace of having it there verses any slight change in point life and Mf is meniscal ,I have run one like that for about 25 years .Ted __________________ http://www.flatheadted.com Flathead Ted brake Floaters , Last edited by FlatheadTed; 07-18-2018 at 03:27 PM.

07-18-2018, 03:15 PM	#4
BUBBAS IGNITION Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: SPEEDWAY INDIANA Posts: 4,148	Re: Changing condenser location Lawson when using the fa54 condensor from NAPA usually that isnt a problem on the crab distributor. However you could mount it anywhere you want using good connections and a good ground. Electrically they function best when mounted close to the points. Are ya having a failure or expect to have one ????? __________________ If it Makes Spark, we do it !!!! www.bubbasignition.com [email protected]

07-18-2018, 05:41 PM	#5
42guy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: New York State Posts: 289	Re: Changing condenser location I have been running my condenser mounted at the coil for 15 yrs. I use a 1963 Mopar condenser which is rated at about 32mf. according to their tech support. This would make up for loss due to the lead wire length. Suppose to end up with a 28 mf. condenser.

07-19-2018, 04:16 AM	#7
big job Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Dighton, Mass Posts: 1,230	Re: Changing condenser location I have worked on many industrial or big trucks & buses. Most had condensers about the size of a C flashlight battery mounted on the coil and a lot of those were 12 vt pos ground coil mounted on the fire wall. I still have some of those big condensers & they have a screw on top. Now I think about it, think I'll try one. I remember never had condenser problems on those.. Also the coil was as big as a finned coffee can. sam Just remembered there was no resistor either