I’m cleaning out my brother’s house, he passed away last August, and I found this tune up kit. Could I use this condenser on my y block? Dennis


  Dennis in Lititz PA

I believe some of the tech/shop manuals have condenser specs.  A multimeter test could confirm if viable (?).

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

I wouldn't use that condenser even if it seems OK. 
 A number of variables in a points ignition system, including ballast resistor value, coil resistance of both the primary and secondary windings, number of engine cylinders, coil inductance, and others require the right size condenser for a particular application. Using that six cylinder condenser in an eight cylinder engine may allow it to run for a while, but sooner or later there  will be trouble.  

Don

A condenser will degrade with age even if not used. Don't use it even if it measures close to spec .21 -.25 microfarad. That being said, good luck finding a reliable condenser now days.  Sorry to hear of your brother's passing....

64F100 57FAIRLANE500

I was hoping I could use the condenser since it’s a good old American made one. He owned a ‘67 C-10 with a 292 until he bought a new truck in ‘73.
I have a capacitor tester I used on well pump, I’ll have to see what it reads.

  Dennis in Lititz PA

Does it have a spec on it. If it matches the Ford spec it might be ok.
I haven't had any problem with the NAPA condenser I got 11 years ago. Made in Mexico, and better than the crap from China that failed in a very short time.

The major differences I find in automotive condensers is simply how they mount based on the mounting bracket on the condenser itself.

Comparing the ignition condenser specifications in the 1955 and 1957 Shop manuals, the condenser specifications are identical.  Microfarad capacity is 0.21-0.25, minimum leakage is 5 Megohms, and max series resistance is 1 ohm.  Looking a bit deeper, the condenser part numbers are the same for all the Ford 1954-1956 V8 engines but keeping in mind that 1954 and 1955 is 6 volts while 1956 is 12 volts.  As John brings up, the breaker points are not voltage dependent but take note that the 12 volt system cars used a resister to reduce the voltage to the points back down to the 6 volts level. Pretty common knowledge on how the points burn up much quicker with a straight 12 volts versus being reduced with a resistor or resistance wire going to the coil.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)