It is always the condenser

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Dec 2, 2016 | 03:30 PM

Gotanoldtruck

Thread Starter

Cross-Country

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 87

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From: Chicago

It is always the condenser

So my 1948 F5 stopped running the other day. It had been sitting for a month. I tested everything and could not come up with the problem, so I replaced the gas (its was old), the spark plugs (not old), the distributor cap (it was original), rebuilt the carb, and swapped out a few other things. Nothing changed. So I replaced the condenser (which had tested fine) but the wire insulation had rubbed off as it came into contact with the distributor plate (which moves with the vacuum advance). See picture. Anyway, I knew better and yet it was not the first thing I did. So $1.50 part and about 30 seconds of time would have solved my problem.

The silver lining is that it starts up every time now and runs well.

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Dec 2, 2016 | 03:42 PM

pbsdaddy

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Joined: Feb 2015

Posts: 17,559

Likes: 1,081

From: Central Delaware

So true. Years ago, 1966, I had a 1935 Ford 3 window coupe. My first car after high school. Everything was fine, (except for my girl friend who hated it), until I started having starting issues. I could push start it, but using the starter only produced engine turn over.
I finally got frustrated and sold it, (for next to nothing), and bought a 19641/2 Mustang.
I sold the 35 to a friend. A few weeks later, I saw him at a drive-in theater. My girl, (happy with the Mustang), and I walked over to talk with him and his lady. I asked how he had been able to start it without issues. He smiled and said, "I replaced the coil"!

I'd like to have both those cars back. But I will never allow a coil to stall my progress on any car again.

Dec 2, 2016 | 03:44 PM

ALBUQ F-1

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 27,294

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From: NM

At least the other things you did weren't a waste of time !

Dec 2, 2016 | 06:33 PM

firstrider

Logistics Pro

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 3,773

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From: Pt.St.Lucie , Fla.

Don't feel like the Lone Ranger , Tonto . Spent over $600.00 & many hrs. chasing the same problem March of this yr. With all the new parts the truck runs like a well oiled Singer . Have no regrets .

Dec 3, 2016 | 08:01 AM

pweng1

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Feb 2014

Posts: 1,350

Likes: 24

From: Maryland

For a short while i worked at a shop that played many practical jokes on each other. One of their jokes was to toss a charged up condenser across the room for the new guy to catch.

Dec 3, 2016 | 08:09 AM

hiball3985

Logistics Pro

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 3,771

Likes: 80

From: tujunga, calif

If you have a problem again in a short period of time don't be surprised, the off shore made condensers are crap, some are dead right out of the box, a very common problem these days..

Dec 3, 2016 | 09:12 AM

artscott61

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Feb 2015

Posts: 1,665

Likes: 111

From: southwest missouri

I just did that with my electronic (77 ford) in the 55 ignition. One day thankfully in the garage at home it just would not start no fire I tried a coil but to no avail finally I replaced the electronic box and put on new pigtails as the p o had cut them all off. Still no start then I tried the new coil again and bam it started. I am learning the electrics of this stuff out of necessity .