Why Do They Fail?

Condensers are relatively simple components but are prone to failure over time due to:

• Electrical fatigue, reducing their ability to hold charge

• Internal short circuits, often due to age or heat exposure

• Physical damage to the casing or wiring

• Poor earth connection, affecting spark consistency

• Incorrect fitment, especially in retrofitted systems

Symptoms of a Faulty Condenser

• Weak or no spark, often leading to poor starting or non-start

• Misfiring, especially under load or at high revs

• Arcing or burning of contact points, leading to rapid wear

• Engine cutting out, particularly when hot

• Difficulty setting ignition timing, or drifting timing

• Visible pitting or scoring on the contact set when inspected

Fitting Tips

1. Always replace the condenser when fitting new contact points

2. Ensure the condenser’s body is properly grounded to the distributor plate

3. Use dielectric grease where appropriate to protect connections

4. Check contact point condition — damaged points may indicate condenser failure

5. Avoid mixing old and new components — match all parts to spec for best results