Ignition Condensor?

[Lawrence S.]

can someone explain to me what the condensor does in the points iginition system?

Thank you,

Lawrence

[Jack Y.]

Re: Ignition Condensor?

[Mike M.]

Re: Ignition Condensor?

jack: very enlightening.i probably slept thru that physics lession 45 years ago. thanks for the refresher course. i still don't understand it completly, but as long as the sbc or bbc run like a stripped ass bear, i'm happy. thanks again and regards.mike

[Jack Y.]

Re: Ignition Condensor?

I said I found it, I didn't write it!! You know know first rule of Software Development, 'Steal it'...

[Lawrence S.]

Re: Ignition Condensor?

Thanks Jack.

If the condensor fails the points burn prematurely right?

[Domenic T.]

Re: Ignition Condensor?

Thanks Jack.

If the condensor fails the points burn prematurely right?

That's right, the point life is limited.

DOM

[Jack H.]

Re: Ignition Condensor?

Think of it this way...

Electrical energy is 'stored' in the ignition coil while the points are closed and current flows through the coil. When the points open, the stored energy comes surging out of the coil to fire the spark plug.

Without the condensor, there'd be one VERY brief 'flash'. But, with the condensor, energy from the coil flows through the spark plug to the condensor and stops with some residual charge built up in the condensor.

Once the 'first surge' is complete, energy runs back out of the condensor through the spark plug to the coil until the condensor runs 'dry'. The process repeats itself with the coil and condensor playing a game of 'catch' with the electrical energy. The electrical energy decreases in magnitude on each 'catch' cycle based on what was lost through the spark plug on the cycle before.

That's why you see a 'slope' to the spark pulse waveform with tiny individual peaks across the sloped area. Each peak is an individual 'catch' cycle...

So, instead of one SHORT flash, the spark 'persists' or 'dwells' until the points close once more and the ignition coil begins building its energy store again. Without the condensor, the spark would be of SUCH short duration that you'd hardly see it. AND, you'd wind up with pretty poor, incomplete combustion...

[Willard M.]

Re: Ignition Condensor?

Jack-That was the best explanation I have heard yet. I think that I now understand the how instead of just knowing that there needs to be a condenser in place. Thanks for presenting it in a way that those of us who flunked shop can understand.

[Jack H.]

Re: Ignition Condensor?

Often, I think I'm talking to myself in some of these electrical threads... But, if you understood the 'game of catch' analogy between the ignition system's two passive components with energy storage capacity (ignition coil and condensor), GREAT!

Many have a tough time with 'invisible' energy systems (like electronics). But, heck, I get confused looking at a mechanical gear drive system!

Yep, without the condensor (archane EE term for capacitor), you'll have virtually no spark dwell and the engine simply won't run consistently (IF it runs at all)...

[John H.]

Re: Ignition Condensor?

Larry -

The link below will take you to an "Ignition Basics" article I wrote a couple of years ago in "Corvette Enthusiast" magazine that describes how the ignition system works (including the condenser), in layman's terms, that doesn't require an engineering degree to understand; I think you'll find it interesting.

http://www.lbfun.com/warehouse/tech_...tionBasics.pdf

[Edward M.]

Re: Ignition Condensor?

John and Jack;

Awesome! Thanks.

[Lawrence S.]

Re: Ignition Condensor?

Larry -

The link below will take you to an "Ignition Basics" article I wrote a couple of years ago in "Corvette Enthusiast" magazine that describes how the ignition system works (including the condenser), in layman's terms, that doesn't require an engineering degree to understand; I think you'll find it interesting.

http://www.lbfun.com/warehouse/tech_...tionBasics.pdf

Thanks John and Jack.