What would cause a motorcycles ignition condenser to constantly go bad?

1. What causes an ignition condenser to go bad?
2. What does a motorcycle ignition condenser do?
3. Will a bad condenser cause weak spark?
4. Are all ignition condensers the same?
5. What happens if condenser fails?
6. Does electronic ignition need a condenser?
7. Is a condenser a capacitor?
8. What does a condenser do in a magneto?
9. Where does the condenser go on a coil?
10. How much does it cost to replace a condenser?

What causes an ignition condenser to go bad?

What causes ignition condenser failure? These can fail from electrical overstress, for example an overvoltage condition from an improper jump start or a current surge (load dump) from an alternator failing while running. Besides those, automotive components are subject to shock, vibration, and temperature extremes.

What does a motorcycle ignition condenser do?

Instantaneously, when the points open (separate) current flow stops through the primary windings of the ignition coil. This causes the magnetic field to collapse around the coil. The condenser absorbs the energy and prevents arcing between the points each time they open.

Will a bad condenser cause weak spark?

Without it, the duration would be shorter and you would get arcing across the points from the spike. That explanation leaves unanswered the observation that a bad/failing condenser will produce a weak spark if at all.

Are all ignition condensers the same?

Any condenser of the same value will work. They are indifferent to voltage but the capacitance (microfarads) should be the same or at least close. They aren't that accurate from new. If the condenser is perfect your points won't burn.

What happens if condenser fails?

A blocked condenser can cause a process called short-cycling, when your system cycles on and off rapidly, not allowing for the proper function of your AC system. This will eventually cause more wear and tear than your system should have to withstand, which means you can find yourself facing a premature breakdown.

Does electronic ignition need a condenser?

Electronic ignition does away with the need for a traditional condenser and points, so these need to be removed by unscrewing them from the distributor base-plate.

Is a condenser a capacitor?

A capacitor (originally known as a condenser) is a passive two-terminal electrical component used to store energy electrostatically in an electric field. The forms of practical capacitors vary widely, but all contain at least two electrical conductors (plates) separated by a dielectric (i.e., insulator).

What does a condenser do in a magneto?

What does the condenser do in a magneto? In short, the capacitor in an ignition system manages the rate of change of the voltage in the low tension ignition circuit when the contact breaker opens, to prevent the energy that is meant to produce an HT spark at the plug from being wasted as arcing at the contact breaker.

Where does the condenser go on a coil?

The condenser may be fitted outside the distributor, or inside on the contact-breaker baseplate; on a few cars it is fitted into the wiring somewhere near the distributor.

How much does it cost to replace a condenser?

The cost of a new AC condenser can range between $850 and $2,700, depending on the size of the unit. The professional labor to have it installed costs an average of $1,750.