Re: {Chrysler 300} Condenser / capacitor dance

[Cox <scooter465@xxxxxxx>]

When Chrysler introduced
Electronic ignition as a option
In 1972 and standard 1973.
Ii was incredible.
You don't know how many 
I converted best thing sense
Sliced bread.
 
Bob Haag

> On Mar 24, 2022, at 11:42 AM, John Grady <jkg@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> 
> Although I have written before about the junk capacitors we get today in tune up kits, and the need to keep any old ones with copper strap until at least checked , I got hit again yesterday with this , but a new manifestation of the same problem .
> B block in question, good shape ran ok once started but extremely difficult to start . Just cranks not even a peep . Prior owner did not disclose , truck driver had to push it onto truck.  We had to push off a year ago . No attempt by engine to “catch “ at all . All primary  voltages and points fine . Great battery . “Theories “ Led to carb , accell pump , gas drying out while sitting , bad fuel pump , clogged filter ,bad gas , water ,  clogged sock , rust in tank  etc etc you name it —-still no start , only sometimes . Tank cleaned and good. But always started with ether .THAT Leads right  Back to fuel issues  etc . Neon tester shows spark ( ps— never arc coil or plug to ground —high voltage goes way  too high if you arc too far from ground can jump inside your  coil instead wrecking internal insulation . = An Intermittent coil short you have now caused! Or use an old plug with a permanent ground clip wire . 
> 
> Yesterday —10 minutes to start ,finally with  ether , drove 40 miles to MD , running perfect came out 10 minutes later no start again —still hot!! Just barely caught after 15 minutes wild pumping could see gas , must be flooded now etc etc .  You know !! Sick feeling . Ran  fine on way home including to 90 mph . Not a hiccup . Thinking was “ this thing just loves  gas ?” Crazy —-
> 
> So got into it . Thinking was still fuel . Neon light test on # 1 it flashes but Ed , my Helper remarked it looked weak . But that is subjective and viewed in sun , remember it ran  fine !
> Capacitor had pentastar  stamped on end not the chinese stamped X ( those are terrible —Toss immediately  if you have one) . Decided to test this one anyway . Only 100k ohms ! Meter did Jump up but did not return to infinite ohms.  Means burned paper inside is  breaking down . Chinese go open , opposite thing  = no cap at all ( but sometimes  , only — of course ) .
> So I had a Filco copper strap type , put in , it  starts instantly . 
> Diagnosis : weak spark caused by failing cap lowers peak volts at plug enough when combined with starting volts drop , plugs simply will not fire the gas . But , ether yes , (? Easier to light?)  then volts rise and it runs fine . Think of the fun in store on a long trip !!!  Or if you stall it on highway stop .  
> Definitely will progress to total failure in 2-3 k miles .
> So check your old one —-should swing up on ohms and then infinite , using 100 meg scale analog meter . ( Triplett 630 are great, on ebay —despite special battery ) Forget digital meters for this , a sad joke . You cannot see a changing reading or make sense of it .  
> Old mopar caps are really good with strap if they pass this you are good .In the old days some were even oil filled . Oil insulation can repair itself . 
> Values of caps are not critical — neither  is 6 or 12 v , all are about .27 uF not critical .
> I have used external radio caps , .27 630 v Panasonic ( Japanese quality ) to end this where it can fit ( standby generator , randomly not starting —found  same cause)  
> This is the 7 or 8 th  time for me . Erratic inconsistent nature of this WILL get to you , drive you nuts before it fails . You Tear carbs apart etc etc 
> So if erratic non start , unexplainable , look here .. even it usually runs fine . 
> John 
> And save any old copper strap mopar cap after test .. don’t change unless proven defective on test . 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
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