Condenser on Voltage Regulator
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From: Cleveland, WI USA
Condenser on Voltage Regulator
G'mornin' all.
I am missing the condenser that plugs into my voltage regulator on my 78 f150 4x4. I took it off and now I can't find it.
I called Autozone this morning and they looked it up on their computer which said "ignition condenser not required". I know it is, but I think I have the part name wrong.
Can anyone tell me exactly what this part is caled so I can find a replacement? It's the condenser that plugs right into the harness for the VR.
Thanks in advance.
Kevin K.
I am missing the condenser that plugs into my voltage regulator on my 78 f150 4x4. I took it off and now I can't find it.
I called Autozone this morning and they looked it up on their computer which said "ignition condenser not required". I know it is, but I think I have the part name wrong.
Can anyone tell me exactly what this part is caled so I can find a replacement? It's the condenser that plugs right into the harness for the VR.
Thanks in advance.
Kevin K.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 987
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From: East Bend, Carolina, U.S
Condenser on Voltage Regulator
Well you wasted you're time calling autozone. They are not real smart on what is supposed to be for what. They strictly rely on what is in a computer that has an incomplete database. Just my opinion based on my experience with them.
I am pretty sure the condensor is for the older breaker type of regulator to help the contacts last just like in breaker type of points in the ignition.
You may not need it with a solid state type of regulator.
I am pretty sure the condensor is for the older breaker type of regulator to help the contacts last just like in breaker type of points in the ignition.
You may not need it with a solid state type of regulator.
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From: Cleveland, WI USA
Condenser on Voltage Regulator
I know what you mean about Autozone. I feel the same way, but they're right on my way home. If you explain what you need well enough, you sometimes get lucky.
The VR is a WELLS unit available everywhere and matches the original. Unless they re-esigned them, I think it still needs the condenser. I'll start up my 79 and unplug it to verify this though.
Thanks for the reply.
Kevin K.
The VR is a WELLS unit available everywhere and matches the original. Unless they re-esigned them, I think it still needs the condenser. I'll start up my 79 and unplug it to verify this though.
Thanks for the reply.
Kevin K.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,191
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From: West Union, OH USA
Condenser on Voltage Regulator
autozone sucks. the condenser they were talking about is the one on the coil. they dont sell them but mine wont run if its not hooked up. you're gonna have to find a good parts store with someone that knows their stuff to get what you need. you might try looking at a haynes manual to see if the part is in there. good luck
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Seattle/Tacoma Washington U.S.A.
Condenser on Voltage Regulator
Are you talking about the part that makes all the noise when the battery goes dead? It goes clickkkkkk. ??? If so they are cheap and you can get them anywhere... I got a new one of mine at napa. They called it a breaker. it has a wire harnes that has 3 prongs that plug into it and mounts behind (beside) the VR? Sorry to thread on your thread, but I dont like to take up too many threads (got in trouble for that already) I was wondering if it is normal for anything to make a clicking noise when I hook up my battery? Because I think my VR is going bad, Ither that or the breaker(condenser)? Anyone help me out here?
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From: Cleveland, WI USA
Condenser on Voltage Regulator
Originally posted by Racerdave
Are you talking about the part that makes all the noise when the battery goes dead? It goes clickkkkkk.
Are you talking about the part that makes all the noise when the battery goes dead? It goes clickkkkkk.
With a dead battery, the clicking is most likely the starter relay. It's an electronic switch that turns on the starter. When you turn the key it operates an electromagnet inside the relay which closes it and sends power to the starter. The starter will draw LOTS of power, and with a dead battery, it will draw all the power away from the relay, causing it to open and shut off the starter. This frees up some power and causes the relay to close again and turn the starter back on, killing the realy again. It does this very quickly and makes a clicking noise. Replace or charge the battery.
That's the best description I can give.
Kevin K.
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From: Seattle/Tacoma Washington U.S.A.
Condenser on Voltage Regulator
If this relay I have is bad would that drain my battery? Because Somtimes I go to start her up and my battery is dead... I have searched high and low and havent found the problem. I am planing on takeing my alternator and starter in for check ups tho. Make sure my alternator is not the problem.
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Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Cleveland, WI USA
Condenser on Voltage Regulator
Originally posted by Racerdave
If this relay I have is bad would that drain my battery?
If this relay I have is bad would that drain my battery?
These trucks are pretty easy to diagnose electrical problems on. I would suspect the VR or the alternator. A new VR for mine was only $5 so I got one.
Alternators are easy to test too. Some parts stores do 'em for nothing.
Check the electrical forum and the tech articles. I thought there was an article on troubleshooting electrical problems in these old trucks.
K.
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From: Cleveland, WI USA
Condenser on Voltage Regulator
Originally posted by tetraruby
Hawk was on it, check your electrical schematics guys!
"Radio Ignition Interference Capacitor"
On a '79, located off the coil and VR (2places)
Hawk was on it, check your electrical schematics guys!
"Radio Ignition Interference Capacitor"
On a '79, located off the coil and VR (2places)
Thanks all!
Kevin K.
P.S. Just called a Ford dealer. The old part was $5 and the new part that replaced it is $32. I wonder if it's a whole new VR with the cap. built in.
Last edited by KJKozak2; Feb 17, 2003 at 02:51 PM.
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From: Cleveland, WI USA
Condenser on Voltage Regulator
Originally posted by mil1ion
Tell them it is a capacitor (not a condensor) that is for radio interference.
No way for $32.00.
You can get one from any used ford vehicle.
Tell them it is a capacitor (not a condensor) that is for radio interference.
No way for $32.00.
You can get one from any used ford vehicle.
Thanks again all!
K.
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From: Central NYS
Condenser on Voltage Regulator
[QUOTE]Originally posted by kjkozak2
[B]Hmmm. I don't have one on my coil but I do on the VR.
Mine doesn't gots one either - but then I ordered my truck without a radio
[B]Hmmm. I don't have one on my coil but I do on the VR.
Mine doesn't gots one either - but then I ordered my truck without a radio
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