Beware the phantom condenser

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Jun 11, 2014 | 05:32 PM

Keithfriend

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Joined: Apr 2014

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Beware the phantom condenser

This is for all the new guys out there to classic trucks.....like me.

I was lucky enough to stumble on a '68 long bed in great shape but the motor ran badly. After much trouble shooting and a ton of advice here, we found that it was the $5.00 condenser in the Distributer. I couldn't believe it as the condenser that was in there was also new. The truck now runs like new.

Fast forward to today (Only a few weeks later) my son and I were driving along when we felt a miss....then several misses. Within an hour and a half, the truck was bucking and dying all over the place. We just barely made it to the Autozone. $5 bucks and 5 minutes later, it was running like new again.

So, the message here is look for the simple things to fix first. It looks like we will be carrying a spare condenser (or two) in the glove box from now on. Obviously, I have some issue with fouling condensers but now that we know what to look for, it's really no big deal.

Take care, everyone.

Keith

Jun 11, 2014 | 06:04 PM

JEFFFAFA

Hotshot

Joined: Mar 2013

Posts: 14,255

Likes: 199

From: Phoenix, Az.

Hey Keith. I would suggest buying a Genuine Ford one. Still available from your local Ford dealer. Part number C9AZ12300A (DC13A). BTW, the points that go with it are part number B8Q12171A (DP12). Also available.

Jun 11, 2014 | 07:18 PM

HIO Silver

Fleet Owner

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 20,678

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From: NorCal

I ditch the points and condenser ASAP. They're in the glove box if need be but othewise it's Pertronix I, II or III... first installed it in my 65 Mustang and its been dead nuts reliable since 1989.

Jun 12, 2014 | 05:42 AM

jowilker

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jun 1999

Posts: 24,552

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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina

X2 on the Petronix and I'll say Petronix II.

John

Jun 12, 2014 | 06:15 AM

68murc

Elder User

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 881

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From: Sudbury, ONT.

X3 on the Pertronix. I can't even remember how long ago I put it in, but I haven't had to touch it since.

Jun 12, 2014 | 07:38 AM

yetiman38237

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Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 891

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From: Mayfield, KY

Quote:

Originally Posted by HIO Silver

I ditch the points and condenser ASAP. They're in the glove box if need be but othewise it's Pertronix I, II or III... first installed it in my 65 Mustang and its been dead nuts reliable since 1989.

I would say that would be a huge plus for selling this item......having lasted that long and still going strong.

Jun 13, 2014 | 12:25 PM

Freightrain

Lead Driver

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 9,893

Likes: 12

From: Ohio

That little condensor can be the root of many evils. With the quality today, they can fail at the blink of an eye and give you all kinds of fits. Typically it runs bad, shuts off, hesitates, blah, blah, blah. It physically gets an internal ground and thus shorting the power to the coil. Presto-no run.

Back in the day, typically you could replace the points/condensors about every 6 months if you put lots of miles on your vehicle. Maybe once a year with less mileage.