Retronics Condenser (metallised film capacitor)

[svenedin]

I was just browsing this afternoon and I chanced upon this. Has anybody tried one of these? They seem quite expensive but there is a real problem with the reliability of the modern condensers. Although Distributor Doctor ones are good they still fail.

I thought I might try one.

Stephen

https://retronicsonline.com/product/ret ... condenser/

https://www.mgocspares.co.uk/product/gs ... -retronics

https://www.mgocspares.co.uk/product/gs ... nodePath=1

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

It doesn't actually state the rating, capacitance in Microfarads, which is kind of important.

[Sleeper]

No doubt if you buy one and remove the sticky label it will tell you...

and then you can tell us and we can purchase them from the local Maplins ( demised ) for 50p each...

John ;-)

[svenedin]

I did buy one and here's some info. I will do a long term test and report back.

Stephen

IMG_9439.jpeg (885.36 KiB) Viewed 3624 times

IMG_9438.jpeg (3.21 MiB) Viewed 3624 times

[svenedin]

This is how the condenser sits when installed. This set up is also with a Distributor Doctor rotor and contact breakers. Basically, a standard points based system but with the best components currently available.

IMG_9450.jpeg (1.58 MiB) Viewed 3578 times

[myoldjalopy]

I note it has a plastic sheathed wire which some prophets of doom were warning against on here a while back!

[svenedin]

I note it has a plastic sheathed wire which some prophets of doom were warning against on here a while back!

It’s silicone over multi strand copper and very bendy and floppy. I presume for the very reason we discussed in that thread.

Stephen

[myoldjalopy]

"Silicone sheathed wire for superior vibration dampening." Oh my! Whatever will they think of next? Now I come to think about it, the earlier discussion was about the dizzy LT or 'pigtail' lead, rather than the capacitor lead....

[svenedin]

"Silicone sheathed wire for superior vibration dampening." Oh my! Whatever will they think of next? Now I come to think about it, the earlier discussion was about the dizzy LT or 'pigtail' lead, rather than the capacitor lead....

Yes it was but it's the same principle. I would imagine the LT lead is expected to outlive many ordinary condensers though.

[myoldjalopy]

Yes, the one I have is 68 years old, I did repair it recently as the wire was only hanging on to the tag by a few wires. Good to go for another 68 years now!