Can someone explain points /condenser

[FLtractor 47]

Evening,

 

In my Quest to learn as much as I can about the mechanical and electrical workings of my new to me 1966 856 8HP Kohler Wheelhorse…

can someone direct me to a very simple video explaining points and condensers. My tractor runs good.. but how do I know when the points are condenser need work or replacing… do they have a general maintenance schedule… do they have a general life span for the parts? 
Coming from a wanna learn more mechanical… understand not much about electrical kinda person 
Thank you 

[HyperPete 788]

This is automotive, but covers the basics.

 

 

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,388]

The Kohler K-series service manual explains each system used well

 

[953 nut 59,214]

8 hours ago, FLtractor said:

how do I know when the points are condenser need work or replacing… do they have a general maintenance schedule… do they have a general life span for the parts? 

At the time your  was built the vast majority of trucks and automobiles had an ignition system that used points and condensers. The rule of thumb at the time was to change the points, condenser, and spark plug every 15,000 miles which would be every 250 hours of operation +/-.   So,     I guess every 250 hours of operation would work.

[Achto 29,229]

I replace points when they can no longer be cleaned up good enough to keep the engine running well. Replace the condenser when it no longer works (usually will have trouble running above 1/2 throttle)

Edited April 23 by Achto

[Gasaholic 271]

Rule of thumb is, we'd pop off the point cover every annual maintenance or oil change and inspect for oil leaks (at the breaker plunger, which by the way, if it was aluminum, would be replaced with updated steel one, as they would often wear away and leak oil) and check the contact faces for any signs of burning or pitting - one of the first indicators of condenser trouble or ground path issues. Spare gaskets (52-041-11-S) and grommets (220297-S) were often replaced even if points were not serviced.  Always replace points & condenser as a set - when one's starting to fail the other ain't far behind. 

 

Grounding problems (more common on the shaker cradle engines) could be as simple as corroded battery cable connections (especially in the "invisible" areas where terminals are crimped to cables), loose bolts on a battery cable, or bolting cable to painted surfaces (leaving just a bit of bolt thread barely touching the bolt hole as the only real ground contact path)  

 

Kohler manuals generally explain the principles of operation pretty well. (Old school - we believe if you understand HOW and WHY something works - REALLY understand, it's easy to diagnose)

 

Edited April 23 by Gasaholic
Typo in part number

[ri702bill 9,196]

1 hour ago, 953 nut said:

was to change the points, condenser, and spark plug every 15,000 miles which would be every 250 hours of operation

Ah, but re-gapping the points due to rubbing block wear was required about every 5000 miles. Some were easy (Chevy V8), some were a PIA (slant six).

Look at the old points for metal transfer from one contact to the other.... if there is no transfer, just pitting - consider NOT changing the condenser, as it is perfectly matched....

[Mike'sHorseBarn 3,175]

Reading over this makes me think the points in my Galaxie are probably due to be replaced........

 

[FLtractor 47]

Thank you all for the very informative information…If I do eventually need to replace my points and condenser… what would they cost me these days for the parts needed?

Edited April 23 by FLtractor

[stvski80085 213]

About 18 dollars.

Steve

[ri702bill 9,196]

AND try to get the genuine Kohler parts - some of the aftermarket cheap stuff is garbage...

[ineedanother 1,662]

3 hours ago, FLtractor said:

Thank you all for the very informative information…If I do eventually need to replace my points and condenser… what would they cost me these days for the parts needed?

A few things to consider to possibly extend the life of both would be to make sure that you have a good water-tight seal on the points cover. That small gromet that the ground wire goes through is often maintained poorly which allows moisture into that space which corrodes the points prematurely. Those gromets are readily available and cheap. Also to clean your points, never file or sand the contacts. Instead, run a dollar bill through the gap to remove any corrosion.

 

The other easy thing to do is position your condenser with the wire end pointed downward to keep water from gathering on top of it. Water sitting on it is no bueno.