Question for Tom Wesenberg

[henry's 31]

Hi Tom:
I recently received my Model A News and in the "Technical Questions and answers their is a comment about your great contribution with the condenser tester. They show a photo of the microfarad reader in Ebay. I purchased two (great deal at 14.00 dollars) one for my club tool box and one for me. My question is it shows in the picture how to check an original condenser. Do you hook it up the same way for a modern condenser?

Thanks again for all of your contributions to our Model "A' hobby.

Henry's 31

[Tom Wesenberg]

Yes, just connect it the same way and press the button. I found several Model A condensers show .23 mf, but still work fine. Most of the new ones I've tested show about .27 mf.

BTW, thanks should go to Vince for the technical information on the coil and condenser, as he gave it to me and I gave it to Mark.

BTW, it's a good idea to short out the capacitor before you test it, just to be sure it isn't still holding a charge.

[Bill in SoCal]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

....

BTW, it's a good idea to short out the capacitor before you test it, just to be sure it isn't still holding a charge.

How's that old joke go - Here hold this. Shocking, Bill

[burner31]

Can someone post a link to the item in Ebay, I can't seem to find it

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

We used to load condensers with the 110 test light probes on an old growler. IF, the condenser holds the charge for some amount of time, does this really mean it's GOOD?
Bill W.

[C26Pinelake]

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Tom gets so many questions, he should start his own site and charge for advice. He is truly a tremendous asset to this site and our hobby.
Way to go Tom ! Wayne

[katy]

It tells you that there is little or no internal leakage which is generally a good sign.

[henry's 31]

I am at work now. As soon as I get home I will post the Ebay link information.

Henry's 31

[henry's 31]

Thanks Tom for the info and also to Vince for providing information.

Henry's 31

[Tom Wesenberg]

Here's a link to one like I bought.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pro-Capacita...sAAOSw14xWOCJ2

[henry's 31]

That is the same one I purchased. Can't beat the price.

Henry's 31

[burner31]

What setting would you put it on to check the condenser?
And keep in mind that I can understand the numbers/letters at the top of the dial...but the "Hieroglyphic writing" at the bottom of the dial really throws me for a loop.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Try the 20 or the 2 setting at the top.

[MikeK]

Just for kicks and giggles pop some of the condensers you have already tested at room temp in the oven and heat them to 180F for awhile. Then re-test hot.

[Spokes]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

Yes, just connect it the same way and press the button. I found several Model A condensers show .23 mf, but still work fine. Most of the new ones I've tested show about .27 mf.

BTW, thanks should go to Vince for the technical information on the coil and condenser, as he gave it to me and I gave it to Mark.

BTW, it's a good idea to short out the capacitor before you test it, just to be sure it isn't still holding a charge.

Hi Tom, Can you please tell me how to use the tester to test condensers. I just ordered the tester. I do not have the article from MAN. Thanks for your time. Have a Great Thanksgiving. John II

[Tom Wesenberg]

Just turn the knob to 20 or 2 mf and the value will show on the display. I may show something like .27 mf. Be sure to turn the switch back to OFF when you're done.

Clip the red lead to the capacitor case and the black lead to the terminal.

[Charlville]

When I was a young apprentice years ago, the older mechanics used to use the condenser tester on the Sun tester to charge up the condenser's and pass them to the youngsters A good time was had by all except the victims! Probably go to jail for that these days??