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testing condensor

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Pete
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testing condensor

Postby Pete » Mon Nov 01, 2004 4:01 am

Hello all --

I was asked a question that I don't know the answer to. This is admittedly not an unusual occurrance, but it regards ignitions so now I want to find out. How does one bench test a suspected bad condensor?

Practically speaking I think we all just put a new one in and test by replacement, but if one really wanted to know how would you do it?

Similarly, what capacitance is required for, say, a J4 mag? I also dabble in other tractors and for the Wico and Eisemann mags on Caterpillars 20 mF works well but seems to have been arrived at by lots of guessing. (the heavy rubberized capacitors available from electronics shops seem to hold up better than the aluminum can style.)

Many thanks,


Pete P.

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beaconlight
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Postby beaconlight » Mon Nov 01, 2004 6:51 am

only way I know is to open your check book and buy an expensive piece of test gear that most people probably will never get a pay back from. The original test bench that IH reccomended to their service people have had one built into it. The problem is that you are testing the cond with out heat and vibration of the engine running. As for MFD no idea
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Postby Bigdog » Mon Nov 01, 2004 7:16 am

Condensors can be easily checked by using an analog volt-ohmeter. You can find these priced reasonably many places. To test the condensor, place the meter on the highest ohm scale it has. Now, place one lead of the meter on the condensor housing, then while observing the meter, touch the other lead to the condensor lead. You should see a momentary "kick" of the needle and it should return to infinity. Reverse the leads and repeat and it should do the same thing in both directions.
If the condensor shows any resistance rather than infinity, it is defective. This test will not necessarily fail a condensor that is breaking down under heat or load but what it does do is eliminate the definitely bad ones.
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Jim Hudson
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Postby Jim Hudson » Mon Nov 01, 2004 2:41 pm

Hook battery voltage across it to charge it up Then give it to someone to hold. If they throw it down and start dancing it most likely is good if you can find it.
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Postby Ron L » Mon Nov 01, 2004 2:46 pm

Jim Hudson wrote:Hook battery voltage across it to charge it up Then give it to someone to hold. If they throw it down and start dancing it most likely is good if you can find it.

Jim. How about the tongue test :!: Like we do to test batteries.
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Postby SundaySailor » Mon Nov 01, 2004 2:57 pm

Jim,

How did I know you'd come up with something like that? Next thing you know, you'd try to convince them to dress up in an Indian costume with condensor in hand and wish for rain.

Rick :shock:
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Postby John *.?-!.* cub owner » Mon Nov 01, 2004 4:04 pm

Jim Hudson wrote:Hook battery voltage across it to charge it up Then give it to someone to hold. If they throw it down and start dancing it most likely is good if you can find it.
We used to do that in my electroics class, except we would charge tehm with 600 volts and throw them to someone to catch. 12 volts won't do that much in your hand, but if they touch it to their tongue. HA!HA!
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beaconlight
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Postby beaconlight » Mon Nov 01, 2004 4:17 pm

Same way we tested to see how many phones some one had on a line or if the cable was open and how far out.
Only problem is this with a tractor or auto condersor will give many false positives. Of course all failures are beyond hope. If I replace a condensor and it doesn't do anything it is considered good for the next time. My feeling is save the exotic stuff for what needs it. Just change it. If the tractor has run all morning Put gas in at lunch and check the oil whether uit needs it or not. Heck i filled my belly, why not the tractor. As desert I check the bottom of the sediment bowl Lot better than running out of gas the other side of where ever or up in the woods. Though I did that oonce and ran back home on chain saw gas. Never again..
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Postby Pete » Tue Nov 02, 2004 5:07 am

Thanks guys! I didn't think there was a really easy way, although I didn't know about the analog ohmmeter thing. Love Jim's idea!

Pete P.


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