Table of Contents
What does ignition condenser do?
Basically the function of a condenser in a coil ignition circuit is to reduce the spark at the contact points as they open in the distributor and thus minimise burning and pitting of the points. Arcing is caused by the effect of self induction in the coil as the points interrupt the flow of current.
Does a magneto have a condenser?
Most condensers used in magnetos have a capacitance value between the values of 100-250nF. Note that condensers used for battery/coil ignition systems are usually twice these values because they need to cater for the, usually 12v, battery voltage already present across the points when they close.
What happens when a ignition condenser goes bad?
What happens when a ignition condenser goes bad? A failing points and condenser system can cause rough running, misfires, lean and rich conditions. If your vehicle runs rough, the engine will not fire, or the vehicle will not start at all, it may the points and condenser system that is the issue.
What is the purpose of the condenser in a high-tension magneto electrical system?
The condenser prevents arcing at the points when the circuit is opened and hastens the collapse of the magnetic field about the primary coil. Figure 4-5. Primary electrical circuit of a high-tension magneto. The primary breaker closes at approximately full register position.
What are condenser points?
The points and condenser system works with an electrical charge that is sent to an ignition coil, which was connected to the distributor cap. The condenser is attached to the system by breaker points. The condenser and distributor rotate so that the points open and close continuously.
What is a condenser in a magneto?
What does the condenser do in a magneto? In short, the capacitor in an ignition system manages the rate of change of the voltage in the low tension ignition circuit when the contact breaker opens, to prevent the energy that is meant to produce an HT spark at the plug from being wasted as arcing at the contact breaker.
Why do points need a condenser?
The condenser absorbs the energy and prevents arcing between the points each time they open. This condenser also aids in the rapid collapse of the magnetic field.
How do you test a magneto condenser?
How to Test a Condenser in a Small Engine
- Remove the condenser from the engine.
- Switch the volt ohmmeter to the ohms position.
- Touch the red lead to the hot connector on the condenser.
- Remove the leads and reverse the placement to the condenser.
- Movement from the meter’s needle indicates the condenser is good.
How do you test a condenser on a magneto?
Will any condenser work?
Any condenser of the same value will work. They are indifferent to voltage but the capacitance (microfarads) should be the same or at least close. They aren’t that accurate from new. If the condenser is perfect your points won’t burn.
What happens to the current in a magneto condenser?
The current flowing into the condenser will charge it up to a maximum figure after which it will start to discharge and current will flow from the condenser back into the coil. This time however, the current will be flowing in the reverse direction. This produces an even more rapid rate of change of current.
How is the magneto connected to the ignition capacitor?
When the engine of the system starts, it helps the magneto to rotate and thus it’s producing the energy in the form of high voltage then, one end of the magneto is grounded through a contact breaker, and the ignition capacitor is connected to its parallel.
What kind of material is a magneto condenser made of?
In the early days of magnetos, condensers were made of tin foil (conductor) and mica (dielectric). In order to achieve the required capacitance, the mica condensers were made up of a ‘multi layer’ sandwich to increase the net surface area of the conductor layers.
What are the advantages of a magneto ignition system?
The main advantage of the magneto ignition system over other ignition system is it doesn’t require any external source to generate energy. It was managed at low tension and high tension.