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Condensor Failures

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salfd

New member
Hi again (My other post is

Hi again (My other post is regarding Scotty Craft Identification) - OK - same boat - 2 Crusader 270's both late 1980's in very nice shape. They run real well - BUT the port engine just stalled while returning to dock from fishing. I had no spark so I replaced coil and engine started. Next time out - same engine stalled - coil checked good so a friend suggested change the condensor - engine started. That condensor lasted a week and blew. Changed it and engine ran again. I believe the original coil was OK but the condensor just decides to blow now and then. My question.. has anyone seen this before ?? What would possibly cause the condensor blow up ??? I carry spares now but there has to be a reason why it fails. I did change the points by-the-way.

HELP - please
 
"Two things. Condensers are no

"Two things. Condensers are notorious for being tempermental. Condensers are notorious for being bad, brand new right out of the box. Second, did you get the correct replacement coil? Some coils require external ballast resistance and some do not."
 
"Eddie thank's for speedy

"Eddie thank's for speedy reply..

I tried a number of coils, some said "Use with External Resistor" and some didn't. I got one from a Mercruiser/Crusader parts guy - that said nothing about external resistors. I wound up installing one which needs a resistor which I also installed. I also installed at the same time a new condensor and points/rotor. The engine stated right up and I ran it for 1/2 hr. that night. I started it again next day - no problem.
BUT here is my concern.. in all the years I've worked on car and boat engines - I don't remember a condensor going bad - coils yes - now I get 3 that gone south in 2 weeks ???!!!! One lasted 10 minutes !!
Could it be that simple about getting bad or tempermental condensors ?? I sure hope you are right. I ran this post thinking that it HAD to be something complicated or expensive but I trust your explanation. OK - so I'll keep a couple spares on board.

Thank you again."
 
Your experience with condenser

Your experience with condensers and coils is not typical. In the old days when professional mechanics had a problem directly after an electrical tune up they would put in another new condenser without a second thought. Home mechanics go for years and never run into the situation or never experiece it.

I've only had a couple of coil problems in 45 years of keeping my cars running
 
"Ditto. How about installing

"Ditto. How about installing an electronic distributor, or a points replacement setup? Might cure two problems at once.

Jeff

PS: Jegs or Summit sell points replacement packages."
 
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