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#1614174 10/28/2026 8:19 PM
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 141
R
'Bolter
'Bolter
R Offline
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 141
So, I am familiar with a condensor and what it does in a distributor.

This looks like a condenser but is it? How/what does it do.

I assume it's to reduce electrical interference for a radio.

Chris
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Rock49 aka C-Rodg
work in progress
1956 Chevy 3100
261 engine
Rock49 #1614179 10/28/2026 9:48 PM
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 11,201
Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums
Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 11,201
Correct. Condensers were used to reduce radio noise coming from the generator.


Kevin
1951 Chevy 3100 work truck
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Rock49 #1614186 10/28/2026 11:07 PM
Joined: Mar 2014
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J
Moderator, Electrical Bay
Moderator, Electrical Bay
J Offline
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 4,512
But you can't use an ignition condenser there...they're different with higher voltage to act as a shock absorber for the coil output without failing. The generator condenser (really just a capacitor) generally speaking had a uF value of between .1 and .5uF and generally were rated for around 50v all the way up to 1000 volts. It depended on the vehicle, etc and some included a lot of overkill. But if you have an AM radio (this all predated widespread use of FM), I'd say you would be fine with .5uF and 50volts. You would hear the whining from the brushes/armature and it would sort of mimic the sound of a siren in the background as rpms increased/decreased.


~ Jon
1952 1/2 ton with 1959 235 | T5 with 3.07 rear end

Moderated by  Jon G, Rusty Rod 

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