Re: [MBZ] Cost of Dist Condensor/failing
In a message dated 7/7/2005 2:31:29 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: How do you know your condenser is malfunctioning. Unless your points are burning badly in a short period or you have a hot start problem, the condenser is fine. I know: everyone changes them when they change points. I do not; I rarely change condensers. My points last as long as those that have the condenser changed. bigpups said the engine will start and idle pretty good but it would never make any power and now it is even hard to restart. These are the exact symptoms of a failing condenser (capacitor)! They work when they are cold but as soon as they are heated up, they begin to fail. The spark at idle is often sufficient to fire the plugs but the failing capacitor will have weakened the spark so that combustion under load will blow the spark out. WE DON'T KNOW if this is his problem, but you can't remove it and get a decent test either. The capacitor stores primary voltage so that the coil may create a STRONGER secondary spark. An electrolyte condenser has a limited life, maybe 8 to 12 years. That's why you don't need to change them with the points. But, how old do you think this one is? I would spend the $14 bucks. Jim Friesen Phoenix AZ 79 300SD, 261 K miles 98 ML 320, 136 K miles
Re: [MBZ] Cost of Dist Condensor
IIRC, the condensor is to keep the points from arcing-burning. You should be able to run it a little while without one to see if that's the problem. A condensor that's going bad will either cause the points to burn (what I remember happening in my old cars), or short out, causing no fire to the plugs. All this reminds me why I love diesels! Which answers the question someone asked about What was wrong with the original engine? when I was discussing replacing with a diesel!!! Michael
Re: [MBZ] Cost of Dist Condensor
On Thu, Jul 07, 2005 at 04:30:56PM -0500, Potter, Tom E wrote: I'm not an electrical expert, but I agree. As long as the capacitance is within the same specifications, any condenser should work. The problem is in determining the capacitance specifications. Better yet, throw the points and condenser away and get an electronic trigger (Compufire, Petronix, et. al.). This is the best solution, IMNQSHO. Perhaps it would be, but then, what if that is NOT the problem??? I am by no means homeless, but also am by no means RICH! I cannot afford hundreds of dollars to buy a new electronic system JUST to see if MAYBE that is the problem. I only buy cars when I can get them VERY cheap because they are not working right. 90% of the time, I can get them going. Either way, I cannot afford to fix things before they are known problems-unless it is something inexpensive like a condensor. It is better for me to sell it off as a parts car than to spend much more money for it. Thanks, though-appreciate your opinion! Michael
Re: [MBZ] Cost of Dist Condensor
Joseph Shaw wrote: On Thu, Jul 07, 2005 at 04:30:56PM -0500, Potter, Tom E wrote: I'm not an electrical expert, but I agree. As long as the capacitance is within the same specifications, any condenser should work. The problem is in determining the capacitance specifications. Better yet, throw the points and condenser away and get an electronic trigger (Compufire, Petronix, et. al.). This is the best solution, IMNQSHO. Perhaps it would be, but then, what if that is NOT the problem??? Well, that would suck...but you'll still have a superior ignition system that will give years of trouble-free service, once you find the actual problem.
[MBZ] Cost of Dist Condensor
I just went to two of my local parts houses. One said they couldn;t even
get the condensor for my car ('72 250C), and the other said they could have
one here tomorrow morning. However, the cost for it was $25.00, basically.
Does that sound right? I thought someone on this list that recommended I
try changing it said it would only be about $5.00.
I have the extra money, but don't want to pay it if it is ridiculously
improportionatley expensive.
What should it cost?
Thanks!
Michael
Re: [MBZ] Cost of Dist Condensor
Call Rusty - (800) 741-5252
On 7/7/05, Joseph Shaw [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
I just went to two of my local parts houses. One said they couldn;t even
get the condensor for my car ('72 250C), and the other said they could have
one here tomorrow morning. However, the cost for it was $25.00, basically.
Does that sound right? I thought someone on this list that recommended I
try changing it said it would only be about $5.00.
I have the extra money, but don't want to pay it if it is ridiculously
improportionatley expensive.
What should it cost?
Thanks!
Michael
___
For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED]
For new parts see www.buymbparts.com
For repairs see www.oldworldauto.com
To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
http://striplin.net/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_striplin.net
--
OK Don, KD5NRO
Norman, OK
'87 300SDL
'81 240D
'78 450SLC
Re: [MBZ] Cost of Dist Condensor
On Thu, Jul 07, 2005 at 11:46:19AM -0700, Joseph Shaw wrote:
I just went to two of my local parts houses. One said they couldn;t even
get the condensor for my car ('72 250C), and the other said they could have
one here tomorrow morning. However, the cost for it was $25.00, basically.
Does that sound right? I thought someone on this list that recommended I
try changing it said it would only be about $5.00.
Rusty lists two possibilities based on engine number. One is $25 and
one is $14 according to his website. I'd give him a call at the number Don
listed to make sure you get the right one.
K
Re: [MBZ] Cost of Dist Condensor
Joseph Shaw wrote:
I just went to two of my local parts houses. One said they couldn;t
even
get the condensor for my car ('72 250C), and the other said they could
have
one here tomorrow morning. However, the cost for it was $25.00,
basically.
Does that sound right? I thought someone on this list that recommended
I
try changing it said it would only be about $5.00.
Except for the mounting bracket, condensors is condensors. You might see if
there's a VW part that fits.
That was kind of my theory-which is why I thought I would try my local parts
houses. I figured, There are only so many levels of 'condensing' that can
possibly need to be done! And I thought maybe some same level condensor
was used for something more common. But, of course, not according to the
books!!!
Anyway, I have looked at Rusty'a site, and there are still two options, so I
have tried to call him about four times now and only gotten the
machine-during his announced hours. SO I guess this is not meant to be for
this week's project list!
Thanks for the suggestion, though!
Michael
Re: [MBZ] Cost of Dist Condensor
Condensor? Condensors don' fit no stinkin' diesel.. (c:
Are you sure it is bad? I guess I have never had a bad one in years,
including the one on my 1946 Champion outboard motor.
I would do some *crazy* things before I would pay even 5 bux for a
condensor. I cannot say for sure, but think I remember the values in
the 0.05 MFD range ?? Anybody got good data for this number? If they
are in that magnitude, I think I would just opt for a disk ceramic
replacement with appropriate shrink tubing from Radio Shack. It would
lay down right in the distributor housing and disappear...
Find someone with a capacitor tester.. my favorite is the Air
Conditioning guy.. he has one to measure starting caps on compressors..
or any older ham you might know.. and acutally measure the thing.
'course if you are trying for originality, then .. maybe you will get
by for $14 (c: ..
Richard
--- Mitch Haley [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Joseph Shaw wrote:
I just went to two of my local parts houses. One said they
couldn;t even
get the condensor for my car ('72 250C), and the other said they
could have
one here tomorrow morning. However, the cost for it was $25.00,
basically.
Does that sound right? I thought someone on this list that
recommended I
try changing it said it would only be about $5.00.
Except for the mounting bracket, condensors is condensors. You might
see if
there's a VW part that fits.
___
For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED]
For new parts see www.buymbparts.com
For repairs see www.oldworldauto.com
To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
http://striplin.net/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_striplin.net
__
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: [MBZ] Cost of Dist Condensor
In a message dated 7/7/2005 11:46:45 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
I just went to two of my local parts houses. One said they couldn;t even
get the condensor for my car ('72 250C), and the other said they could have
one here tomorrow morning. However, the cost for it was $25.00, basically.
Does that sound right? I thought someone on this list that recommended I
try changing it said it would only be about $5.00.
I guestimated $5, based on the last one I bought was 98 cents. I should
know better.
Jim Friesen
Phoenix AZ
79 300SD, 261 K miles
98 ML 320, 136 K miles
Re: [MBZ] Cost of Dist Condensor
On Thu, Jul 07, 2005 at 04:30:56PM -0500, Potter, Tom E wrote: I'm not an electrical expert, but I agree. As long as the capacitance is within the same specifications, any condenser should work. The problem is in determining the capacitance specifications. Better yet, throw the points and condenser away and get an electronic trigger (Compufire, Petronix, et. al.). This is the best solution, IMNQSHO. How do you know your condenser is malfunctioning. Unless your points are burning badly in a short period or you have a hot start problem, the condenser is fine. I know: everyone changes them when they change points. I do not; I rarely change condensers. My points last as long as those that have the condenser changed. I can't remember the last time I changed points on anything. The jeep has at least 35k on its set, and is just starting to get a hint of spark scatter :) K
