1929 Condenser

[GasWorksGarage]

Why would anyone mount a condenser like this?

[700rpm]

Keeps it cooler.

[tbirdtbird]

look silly but what Ray said.

I had to do an emergency condenser change on a RR in the middle of a mall for a customer and I did just that for the sake of expediency since he was blocking the lane.

There are posters here, tho, that will tell you this will not work. Ask the RR owner if it works

[Gold Digger]

I mounted one like that after burning out 3 condensers in the distributer about 30 years ago and it's still there and still starts and runs good. The Autolite waffle stile heater even with a baffle in place didn't keep from melting the condensers. I've read on here that it's not good to run cars this way because of spark not being as good as condenser in the distributer, but if they want run where they're suppose be you got to do what you have to.

[Tom Wesenberg]

It's that blue crimp terminal that bothers me.

[Special Coupe Frank]

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VW used to mount the condenser external from the distributor with their air-cooled engines, if I recall...

[Kevin in NJ]

Yes it works, but...

The reason it is at the distributer is because the added distance away from the points adds resistance between the points and condensor. This allows for more voltage build up and arcing at the points which is what the condensor supposed to prevent. This means a better chance at shorter point life. There are some variables in the system from inductance and capacitance in the longer line. Basically some might work better then others.

Capacitors are tightly wrap tin foil with thin specially coated paper between. The old stuff dried out and did not like the heat. Today we have some capacitors that are happy with the temps and work fine last a long time. They probably cost $.10 more then the common stuff. So if you buy any (including the V8 type) new 'normal' condensor you might get some low bid made in china thing. Mustang people complain about the new name brand ones failing quick.

The secret is to buy the A&L burnout proof condensors and put them in (yes even if you have the V8 plate) and forget about them. Cheap, simple, reliable for years and years. Get a spare to fix the guy in your club too cheep to buy one so you dont have to stop on tour all the time.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

A friend had his condenser mounted by the coil on a Toyota, kept burning up points! Moved it back to the distributor & problem SOLVED!
Bill W.

[jfreddie]

Couldn't agree more with Kevin in NJ. The short proof condenser is the best answer...plainly identified by three spot weld points on the end. Can even use it with the modern points.

[Big hammer]

My A came with a condenser at the coil,why it was there for me? Because of the flat top ottwell heater you have to remove the manifolds to change the condenser or remove the distributor. I changed the condenser with the best one available at that time. I think it was called a burn proof condener, maybe an A&L? this was in the late 70's

[GasWorksGarage]

I am going to put it back in the distributor and replace with a burn proof.

[700rpm]

Good call.

[Flathead]

The A & L condenser and V8 points has worked perfectly for me. A quality set of original points would be OK also. The A & L "burn-out proof" condenser can be trusted.

[mantta]

It was probably put in the distributer for theft protection. An external one would make hotwiring very easy.

[Tom Wesenberg]

When the condenser is moved to the coil, then if it happens to have a short (no matter how minor) it will drain the battery. Remember, the coil has voltage at all times, and the ignition switch ungrounds the points and connects to coil ground side, when it's switched ON.

[jfreddie]

Good point!

[djuby1]

A L burn proof condensor was mention in several replies. Where can these be found for purchase. Didn’t have any luck searching on the web for them.

[ryanheacox]

They don't have a website, just a phone number, (860) 693-0112. I think most of the vendors carry their condenser if it is advertised as burnout proof.

[john in illinois]

Originally Posted by jfreddie

Couldn't agree more with Kevin in NJ. The short proof condenser is the best answer...plainly identified by three spot weld points on the end. Can even use it with the modern points.

I did not know about use with modern points. Thanks.

John

[Purdy Swoft]

I have run the condenser connected to the coil on one of my model A's for over twelve years with no problems . Anybody can believe whatever that they want . The cheap China made condenser that many model A venders sell won't last very long no matter where they are mounted . I learned about mounting the condenser in this manner fifty six years ago and it has worked well for me on several model A's