Poor quality condensers

[Dryad]

I've had two brand new condensers fail in 8 months! Bought from different suppliers. Can anyone recommend a good quality replacement? Should I locate NOS items? I know that condensers don't keep well after 30+ years.

[linearaudio]

Fit an electronic ignition set-up and forget about it! The quality of points and condensors isn't going to improve unless miracles occur!

[bmcecosse]

Radio suppressor on the outside of the dizzy works well......

[lambrettalad]

Hi Bmc could you please explain? ta

[Alec]

Hello LA,

"Fit an electronic ignition set-up and forget about it!"

Until it fails and stops you dead.
As a matter of interest, have a look at the technical side Of SimonBBC's web site.
Maximum voltage to be used 14.5 volts, and he suggests that the voltage regulator should be set to a maximim of 13.5 volts. My workshop manual for the Lucas 17ACR gives it's set output at 14.7 volts. He also suggests that you do not jump start your car as it may damage (destroy) the module.
That is not to say that some of the other units available are more robust but there are many tales of aftermarket electronic ignition module failures.

Alec

[bmcecosse]

The condenser doesn't need to be inside the dizzy - a radio capacitor (suppressor) can be attached on the outside with the lead going in to the points and works perfectly well - good 'get-you-home' measure.

[Dryad]

Thanks for your replies. I might try the suppressor type next time it goes - which will be February/March time if this new one is like the last two.

[bmcecosse]

Check your coil is correct ohms - should be 3.2 ohms across the two small terminals.

[linearaudio]

Right, I'm convinced Going to get my old dizzy out, clean the points up and fit a radio suppressor on the outside-that will give me peace of mind!

Anyone want to buy a dodgy electronic ignition set-up from me? It has worked perfectly for the last 20000 miles, but i just can't risk it packing up

[bmcecosse]

Wise move - at least you can FIX the points ignition if it goes wrong........ In fact - my TR7 came to me with leccy ignition and I have no intention of even looking sideways at it, never mind taking the cap off. But I do carry a complete spare points dizzy with me all the time!

[linearaudio]

I just won't be able to sleep at night now I know the pitfalls of these new-fangled gadgets, I have already started pulling my hair out! I guess even the spare electronic module in the boot may give up sometime this millenium! Give me Indian made plastic points any day. On second thoughts- I won't even inflict my leccy system on someone else- tomorrow its getting pounded with a big hammer just to make sure it can't let anyone down

[GPO_Van]

Hi Roy
You saying you carry a spare dizzy brought a smile to my face, in the early 70’s I carried a full spare engine in the boot of my Ford Consul, and every one thought I was well prepared.
The only reason was that my dad would not let me store anymore “rubbish” in the small shed (no garage in those days) as he struggled to get the garden tools out past my motorbike as it was.
Reg
PS bad for petrol consumption.

[MarkyB]

PS bad for petrol consumption.

And for acceleration AND for braking!

[bmcecosse]

Good traction in the snow!

[dalebrignall]

ive had electronic for 6 years done 30000 miles never missed a beat .

[Alec]

Hello Dale,

that's good to hear, and I'm sure there are thousands with the same experience.

Many years ago, when I was working abroad, I converted my car to electronic ignition to 'improve reliability'. After failing twice and needing the AA to rescue my wife (They were baffled and didn't know what was wrong!) I reverted to points and so remain. I nor my wife have ever been stranded with points failure since.
I appreciate that modern cars rely totally on electronics, but I don't see that aftermarket electronic modifications give any significant advantage. Having said that I appreciate that some rather sub standard points and condensers are available and cause problems.

Alec

[stephenpolhill]

Sounds a hit & miss thing. My car has just been in the garage for 2 weeks due to a faulty condesor (the only thing we forgot to replace...typical). The guy bought a proper Lucas condensor to go with the Lucas points and they seem fine now. I'd recommend NOS..my old one was fine so I shouldn't have replaced it!

[bmcecosse]

2 weeks to find a faulty condenser........... geeeezzzzzzzzz - it should take 2 minutes!

[linearaudio]

2 weeks to find a faulty condenser........... geeeezzzzzzzzz - it should take 2 minutes!

A bit unfair, I think! The effects I have encountered (before admitting defeat and fitting electronic ignition like any sane person would ) gave the initial symptoms of a flooding carb- coughing rough running, black smoke in big clouds...

[bmcecosse]

Not unfair at all - a radio suppressor capacitor attached on the outside of the dizzy only takes seconds - and if it sorts the problem...... 2 weeks!!! Come on - that's just not sensible!