ACMOC
Login
ACMOC
What are the symptoms of a failing condenser?

What are the symptoms of a failing condenser?

Showing 1 to 10 of 13 results
1
Bill Glenn
Topic Author
Offline
Member
Send a private message to Bill Glenn
Posts: 324
Thank you received: 0
What are the symptoms of a failing condenser? The pony motor on the 955 12H has been missing worse & worse… Just wondering if the condenser could be the culprit. Also, here is a picture of Rodger the Dachshund & I getting ready to skid some firewood on said machine.
Attachment
Please log in or create an account to join the conversation.
Sat, May 2, 2020 12:41 AM
Norm R2,22
Offline
Send a private message to Norm R2,22
Posts: 203
Thank you received: 0
Usually the engine will run rough, if at all. Back firing as un-burned fuel from the mis-fires in the exhaust catch. Most people suspect carburetor problems. Thus the saying, "90% of carburetor problems are electrical".
Please log in or create an account to join the conversation.
Sat, May 2, 2020 1:46 AM
neil
Offline
Moderator
Admin
Send a private message to neil
Posts: 6,935
Thank you received: 4
Reply to Norm R2,22:
Usually the engine will run rough, if at all. Back firing as un-burned fuel from the mis-fires in the exhaust catch. Most people suspect carburetor problems. Thus the saying, "90% of carburetor problems are electrical".
They also might start ok cold then as they heat up become less reliable, and so "won't start when hot". Might also get a yellowish spark instead of a bright blue spark.
Please log in or create an account to join the conversation.
Sat, May 2, 2020 2:44 AM
Mike Meyer
Offline
Member
Send a private message to Mike Meyer
Posts: 3,324
Thank you received: 1
Reply to neil:
They also might start ok cold then as they heat up become less reliable, and so "won't start when hot". Might also get a yellowish spark instead of a bright blue spark.
Do they burn the points too?
Please log in or create an account to join the conversation.
Sat, May 2, 2020 4:47 AM
Bill Glenn
Topic Author
Offline
Member
Send a private message to Bill Glenn
Posts: 324
Thank you received: 0
Reply to neil:
They also might start ok cold then as they heat up become less reliable, and so "won't start when hot". Might also get a yellowish spark instead of a bright blue spark.


I have a white spark now... what does that mean...?
Please log in or create an account to join the conversation.
Sat, May 2, 2020 7:49 AM
Bill Glenn
Topic Author
Offline
Member
Send a private message to Bill Glenn
Posts: 324
Thank you received: 0
Reply to neil:
They also might start ok cold then as they heat up become less reliable, and so "won't start when hot". Might also get a yellowish spark instead of a bright blue spark.


I have a white spark now - what does that mean?
Please log in or create an account to join the conversation.
Sat, May 2, 2020 7:50 AM
Bill Glenn
Topic Author
Offline
Member
Send a private message to Bill Glenn
Posts: 324
Thank you received: 0
Reply to Bill Glenn:


I have a white spark now - what does that mean?
Where can I get said condenser?
Please log in or create an account to join the conversation.
Sat, May 2, 2020 7:50 AM
Rome K/G
Offline
Send a private message to Rome K/G
Posts: 6,092
Thank you received: 0
Reply to Bill Glenn:
Where can I get said condenser?
Cat should have it. Have a part #?
Please log in or create an account to join the conversation.
Sat, May 2, 2020 8:27 AM
ccjersey
Offline
Send a private message to ccjersey
Posts: 4,422
Thank you received: 0
Caterpillar should have it or any of the magneto shops can get them if they don’t have it in stock. You can also test with a multimeter to see if they’re shorted or open. I think most ignition capacitors are about 0.3 microfarads.

Before I took the condenser out I would clean the points with an emery board and re check the gap. That takes very little time and can fix problems immediately.........or not and then you move on to something else.
D2-5J's, D6-9U's, D318 and D333 power units, 12E-99E grader, 922B & 944A wheel loaders, D330C generator set, DW20 water tanker and a bunch of Jersey cows to take care of in my spare time😄
Please log in or create an account to join the conversation.
Sat, May 2, 2020 8:33 AM
kittyman1
Offline
Send a private message to kittyman1
Posts: 577
Thank you received: 0
Reply to neil:
They also might start ok cold then as they heat up become less reliable, and so "won't start when hot". Might also get a yellowish spark instead of a bright blue spark.

yes this has been my experience exactly....after a few minutes it starts missing...acting crazy...maybe even quitting...and no start...:tape:

-almost exactly the same as some electronic modules...
Please log in or create an account to join the conversation.
Sat, May 2, 2020 8:57 AM
drujinin
Offline
Send a private message to drujinin
Posts: 3,852
Thank you received: 0
Reply to kittyman1:

yes this has been my experience exactly....after a few minutes it starts missing...acting crazy...maybe even quitting...and no start...:tape:

-almost exactly the same as some electronic modules...
Normally I would add in to check and or lubricate the pivot shaft on the points. One time mine was dry and causing the points to stick occasionally. Mine starts right up and runs fine unloaded but I noticed last year that it was missing under load. No amount of choke helped it so I am thinking I need to get the hood off to play around in the Magneto.
Please log in or create an account to join the conversation.
Sat, May 2, 2020 7:09 PM
Showing 1 to 10 of 13 results
1
YouTube Video Placeholder

Follow Us on Social Media

Our channel highlights machines from the earliest Holt and Best track-type tractors, equipment from the start of Caterpillar in 1925, up to units built in the mid-1960s.

Upcoming Events

Veerkamp Open House 2025

Chapter Fifteen

| Placerville, CA

Stradsett Park Vintage Rally

Chapter Two

| Stradsett, Nr Downham Market. Norfolk PE33 9HA UK

Chapter 2 The Link Club's AGM

Chapter Two

| Faulkner Farm, West Drove, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE14 7DP, UK
View Calendar
ACMOC

Antique Caterpillar
Machinery Owners Club

1115 Madison St NE # 1117
Salem, OR 97301

[email protected]

Terms & Privacy
Website developed by AdCo

Testimonials

"I also joined a year ago. had been on here a couple of times as a non-member and found the info very helpful so I got a one year subscription (not very expensive at all) to try it out. I really like all the resources on here so I just got a three year. I think its a very small price for what you can get out of this site."
-Jason N

Join Today!