953 nut 68,121 #26 Posted June 21 13 hours ago, John c said: So is there any simple tests or readings to determine if a condensor.....can still condense ? Some upscale multimeters have a test mode for condensers but for less than $ 10.00 you can replace the suspect condenser. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 17,163 #27 Posted June 22 On 6/21/2026 at 8:29 AM, 953 nut said: Some upscale multimeters have a test mode for condensers but for less than $ 10.00 you can replace the suspect condenser. Condensers are capacitors. They absorb electrical energy as they charge and then give it up when they discharge. In an ignition system, they function much the same way an expansion tank works in a plumbing system, acting as a buffer to smooth out the changes in voltage (electrical) or water pressure (plumbing). A failed condenser cannot take and then give up a charge as needed just as a failed expansion tank (e.g waterlocked) allows pressure spikes (e.g. water hammer) in piping. It’s the spiking voltage in the ignition system that burns the points. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
