Re: coil and condenser question

Posted by Tim Cole On 2015/5/6 17:03:22

The little technical note about the ignition switch mounting doesn't explain why it is there.

When the points open there is a voltage surge through the primary (points) side of the coil which mutually induces same in the secondary (spark) side of the coil. On the secondary side this surge finds ground through the spark plug and on the primary side it surges through the ignition switch. This second condenser absorbs the surge.

The generator also produces voltage spikes which can create noise as does any winding or arcing switch in the system. However, given the crap on the airwaves I would only be concerned with the fact that voltage spikes are not a good thing and are best reduced.

Mounting such under the dash means some shade tree operator won't see it and throw it away. AKA "Duh?, who needs this thing?"