7 replies to this topic

[Abbot]

Hi All

I have just bought a new coil, points and ignition condenser to freshen up the the ignition system om my 89 998 LHD Mini.

 

There is a part which is mounted on a bracket and fitted under the bolt holding the coil in place.  It has a single black wire that connects to the negative terminal on the coil.

 

What is it ?  I could not find it in any of the parts catalogues. Is it worth replacing with a new one?

[whistler]

Probably a condenser to stop radio interference. Common practice to fit these years ago.

[Abbot]

It does look like a slightly larger version of the condenser inside the distributer

[nicklouse]

You say you have bought a condenser? So it’s not like that?

 

pictures for identification then.

[alpder]

Does sound like a condenser. But the way it's wired means it is in parallel (i.e. duplicating) the condenser on the distributor. Personally, unless it is a factory-standard item, I would remove it: a condenser failing short-circuit will kill the ignition. Having a pair of them, instead of the usual single, doubles the chances of that happening.

 

Also, poor quality modern condensers (and points) seem abundant, and anecdotally seem also a common cause of breakdown. So they are items that are worth buying only from the best sources you can find - say a reputable distributor specialist, rather than from a generalist parts supplier. If the old (well-made) parts are working fine, I probably wouldn't even change them... but you have to wonder if the extra condenser was fitted because the 'proper' one - on the distributor - stopped working sometime in the past.

Edited by alpder, 23 March 2025 - 11:59 AM.

[Lplus]

Probably a condenser to stop radio interference. Common practice to fit these years ago.

this - if it's externally mounted on the coil bracket it's just for radio suppression.  Not necessary unless your radio crackles when the engine is running.

[Abbot]

You say you have bought a condenser? So it’s not like that?

 

pictures for identification then.

Sorry don't have a site for loading images.

 

The one I bought goes inside the distributer.

[Abbot]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

I will leave it where it is for now as the with the new points etc the care seems to be running a lot better.