Condenser

[Ladybird]

Hi folks
Recently fixed a new condenser as a preventative measure, now have pretty impressive arcing at the points. Does this automatically mean that the new condenser is faulty??

[Bob Culver]

Certainly suspicious. In the process did a trace of oil get onto the points? Or if the points are not all re burnished but disturbed may spark somewhat.
Colleagues running older cars report a lot of trouble with replacement condensers. drawing long sparks, or having the ht lead open circuit generates potentially  damaging voltages everywhere.

[Ladybird]

Thanks Bob
Points are clean and burnished. Not tested open circuit but thanks for your tip; won’t be doing open circuit testing in future. Will switch out new condenser and see what difference...

[Parazine]

Worthwhile checking eBay for New Old Stock condensers. Also worth checking for similar rotor arms and distributor caps as the modern black "insulating stuff" that the new items are made from doesn't last 5 minutes.