Condenser wire Options

[jmargush]

Does the condenser wire on the distributor go to the + or - side of the coil?

[Tom]

I believe it connects to the points somehow at the distributer. Although the negative side of the coil is electrically the same as connecting it at the dizzy.
Tom

[r_towle]

Does the condenser wire on the distributor go to the + or - side of the coil?

negative

Black/purple lead provides power to the coil on the positive side.

Distributor is ground.
Circuit is completed when the points close.
Then juice is sent out of the high voltage wire from the coil to the spark plug.

[toolguy]

Does the condenser wire on the distributor go to the + or - side of the coil?

negative

Black/purple lead provides power to the coil on the positive side.

Distributor is ground.
Circuit is completed when the points close.
Then juice is sent out of the high voltage wire from the coil to the spark plug.

You might want to check a wiring diagram. .

the condenser goes on the points {Usually green} lead which connects to the coil #1 lead with the Black Purple which goes to the tac input. . . the Blk/red is on coil term #15 which is the positive 12 volt power into the coil. . doesn't matter if the condenser is in the dizzy or mounted with the coil. . just wire to the negative points lead with the tac wire

the purpose of the condenser is to absorb the voltage spike {the arc} when the point open. . the energy it absorbs is stored until the points close the next time and is then discharged into the coil, amplifying the spark. . often a weak spark is cause by a bad condenser

[jmargush]

Thanks I got it

[ClayPerrine]

the purpose of the condenser is to absorb the voltage spike {the arc} when the point open. . the energy it absorbs is stored until the points close the next time and is then discharged into the coil, amplifying the spark. . often a weak spark is cause by a bad condenser

That is not quite true. It does not amplify the spark, but it does absorb the voltage spike. Without a condenser, the voltage arcs across the points when the open, pitting the points and causing premature wear.

Condenser: Those same principles of inductance create a kind of paradox, because when the points open and the magnetic field collapses it also induces a current in the primary as well. It's not very much because there are only a few windings in the primary, but it's enough to jump a small air-gap, such as the one between the just-opening points in the distributor. That tiny spark is enough to erode metal away from the points and you'll 'burn' the points. It prevents the points from arcing and prevents coil insulation breakdown by limiting the rate of voltage rise at the points.

REF: http://autorepair.about.com/cs/generalinfo/a/aa052502a.htm

[toolguy]

That is not quite true. It does not amplify the spark, but it does absorb the voltage spike. Without a condenser, the voltage arcs across the points when the open, pitting the points and causing premature wear.


REF: http://autorepair.about.com/cs/generalinfo/a/aa052502a.htm

Ref 914 manual

[r_towle]

Does the condenser wire on the distributor go to the + or - side of the coil?

negative

Black/purple lead provides power to the coil on the positive side.

Distributor is ground.
Circuit is completed when the points close.
Then juice is sent out of the high voltage wire from the coil to the spark plug.

You might want to check a wiring diagram. .

the condenser goes on the points {Usually green} lead which connects to the coil #1 lead with the Black Purple which goes to the tac input. . . the Blk/red is on coil term #15 which is the positive 12 volt power into the coil. . doesn't matter if the condenser is in the dizzy or mounted with the coil. . just wire to the negative points lead with the tac wire

the purpose of the condenser is to absorb the voltage spike {the arc} when the point open. . the energy it absorbs is stored until the points close the next time and is then discharged into the coil, amplifying the spark. . often a weak spark is cause by a bad condenser

I knew someone here would correct the coloring of the wire.
The points wire, which is a one piece unit with the condensor, plugs into the negative side of the coil, as marked on the coil.

The power wire, as you stated, blk/red goes to the positive side of the coil.

No need to make it more complicated than it needs to be.
At least for the original question.

[Tom]

I see folks still are not understanding the points/condenser ignition system. Please read the information at : Kettering ignition system. This will explain it very well.
The condenser provides two functions, pretty much as toolguy posted.
I dislike seeing new folks being lead astray by those who post inaccurate information, probably because they were lead astray earlier and believed it. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)
Tom

[r_towle]

I see folks still are not understanding the points/condenser ignition system. Please read the information at : Kettering ignition system. This will explain it very well.
The condenser provides two functions, pretty much as toolguy posted.

as long as its plugged in to the negative side of the coil (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)