Johnson model a condenser

[T….in Wisconsin]

I appreciate all this good info & feedback.

I ordered the Echlin .22uF condenser AL869 Tubs posted, nice that it’s still available.

Both Tubs & Buc did a great job documenting the same coil swap. I highly recommend studying thier info if you’re doing the same.

 

 

[joecb]

My $0.02 worth… a .22mf capacitor will fix just about any magneto ignition. Why? Even the best quality electronic caps are +/- 10% on their labeled value. I suspect that your average cap is more like +/- 20 % , so trying to get the perfect recommended cap is sort of a roll of the dice. And another consideration, although a slight mis-match in mf size might lead to shorter breaker point life… how many hours will your average old outboard actually be running?

Joe B

 

[The Boat House]

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I has been explained to me that if you’re off on the value, it shortens the point life, as Joe has stated. You can tell if the value is high or low if it the pitting is going to, or away from, the ground contact. I don’t remember which. Do to the limited use our motors get this could take years to determine. It doesn’t affect the spark. It  has also been explained to me that the correct value is determined by the wire. Not just the wire in the coil, but the length of the wire from the coil to the points, from the condenser to the points, and length of the plug wire(s). This would seem to explained why ignitions using the same coils use a different condenser. So when swapping ignition parts around just shoot for something between .1 & .3 mf, which what is most commonly found in our motors. This advice was given to me by someone I consider knowledgeable in this stuff, which I’m not. I have followed it for years. Tubs

[labrador-guy]

As usual Joe and Tubs are right on the money!  My take on condensers goes like this, they are either shorted or leaking.  A shorted out condenser is easy…no spark.   A leaking condenser will give you an intermittent spark.  If your motor runs but it spits and farts and backfires.  It very well needs a condenser.  I have had several new condensers that were scrap.  Just my 2cents on these buggers!

dale

[crosbyman]

m. mohat’s articles in the Outborder covers all aspects of condensers. from concepts to repairs

suggest a good  readup on the Wester region AOMCI site under MAGAZINE ARTICLES

Microsoft Word – Articles-Mohat Part 3 SB review 6-4-18FINAL.doc

Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

[joecb]

Yes, by all means go and read Bill Mohat’s series of articles that originally appeared in the “Antique Outboarder” back in about 2021. These can now be found on the Western Reserve chapter web site as crosbynam said. Bill does an outstanding job of explaining the workings of the various ignition systems and their components. Of late , I have been going back to past issues and re-reading his articles. I absorb new knowledge with each reading.  A BIG thank you is due to Bill for sharing his deep knowledge of electronics with us all.

Joe B

 

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