Fitting a condenser

The condenser is a small electrical device connected across the contact-breaker points in the distributor .

It helps to give a crisper spark at the plugs and also retards erosion of the contact-breaker points.

If the points are badly eroded, and a general ignition check (See Checking the high-tension circuit ) has eliminated other causes, suspect a faulty condenser.

The condenser may be fitted outside the distributor, or inside on the contact-breaker baseplate; on a few cars it is fitted into the wiring somewhere near the distributor. In most cases it is easy to get at, but on cars with poor access you may have to remove the distributor (See Removing and refitting the distributor ).

A magnetic screwdriver, or a dab of grease on a screwdriver blade, is useful for fitting small screws.

Replacing the condenser, which is mounted internally, is simple; but with the earlier type of contact breaker take care to reassemble th terminal post correctly.

Unclip and remove the distributor cap . Unscrew the terminal-post nut. Lift off the plastic insulating washer and the leads to the points and condenser. Remove the screw holding the condenser to the baseplate.

When reassembling the distributor, be careful to fit the leads underneath the plastic insulator.

If they are replaced above it the points will be earthed and the ignition will not work.

Tighten the securing screw firmly - it also earths the condenser.

The condenser in the Ford Motor-craft and AC Delco distributors is internal.

Unclip the cap (on some AC Delco types the cap is held by screws) and remove it. On the Ford distributor, slacken the terminal screw and slide out the spade terminal.

Detach the condenser lead on the AC Delco type by pressing the contact-breaker spring to release it. Take out the condenser securing screw and lift the unit from the baseplate.

The condenser on the Nippon Denso, Mitsubishi, Bosch and Ducellier distributors can be mounted on the outside.

Removing condensers that are externally mounted is a simple operation, and there is no need to remove the distributor cap.

On these types, the condenser leads can be freed from exterior terminals, and the condensers removed by undoing single retaining screws.

Although on the Bosch distributor the condenser is external, you still have to remove the distributor cap, rotor arm and condensation shield.