condensor on the ignition coil

[Robert D.]

hope this doesnt sound stupid but the wire on the condensor on my 59 broke at the hub. if i drill a small hole in the end and epoxy the wire in will this repair the condensor until i could find another or will it short out everthing or be a fire hazard. i cant solder it because it is to close to the condensor. not sure how these things work so can someone with some knowledge on these things help.
thanx
bob defalco

[Duke W.]

Re: condensor on the ignition coil

I don't think your repair method will work and there is no easy way to test it after the repair attempt.

That particular capacitor is not "mission critical" so to speak. It's part of the radio noise suppression system and you may not even notice any additional radio noise without it. I suggest you just remove it until you buy a replacement.

I don't know for sure, but I expect a reasonably OE looking and functionally equivalent replacement is available through the repro parts channel.

Duke

[Dennis A.]

Re: condensor on the ignition coil

In the newer CC catalog , they now have radio capacitors....I have no idea if they would pass judging. Prices are about the same as I paid for old originals.

[Jack H.]

Re: condensor on the ignition coil

You HAVE to solder it or else it doesn't work!!!

The outside case of the capacitor is one side of the electrical circuit and the lead wire that exits the capacitor body is the other side of the electrical circuit. Using epoxy (basically an insulating material) does not give you electrical continuity...

You say you "can't" solder the lead wire back because.... Methinks you mean to say you don't know how to solder the wire back.

One repair method to use is re-flow soldering technology (the way surface mount components are laid down on printed circuit boards). Then, once the lead wire is repaired, you need to handle it VERY gently.

[Joe C.]

Re: condensor on the ignition coil

You HAVE to solder it or else it doesn't work!!!

The outside case of the capacitor is one side of the electrical circuit and the lead wire that exits the capacitor body is the other side of the electrical circuit. Using epoxy (basically an insulating material) does not give you electrical continuity...

You say you "can't" solder the lead wire back because.... Methinks you mean to say you don't know how to solder the wire back.

One repair method to use is re-flow soldering technology (the way surface mount components are laid down on printed circuit boards). Then, once the lead wire is repaired, you need to handle it VERY gently.

AKA: "tinning"

As was said earlier, the cap does little to nothing, anyway. Drill a hole in the cap at the break, and line the hole with epoxy. Insert the lead, like a fuse.

[Joe R.]

Re: condensor on the ignition coil

Hi Robert:

The capacitor's only function is to reduce noise that might get into your radio, so it is not a critical part.

It looks like you have a '59, so I don't know how close the reproduction caps are for that year. I have a 67, and the reproduction caps from Long Island Corvette are close, but not perfect.

The wire on my original cap broke off down inside the capacitor, which is what it sounds like yours did. It is NOT a good idea to simply shove the wire back in and glue it, because the insides of the capacitor contain two layers of metal foil separated by a thin layer of insulation, and simply pushing the wire back in *might* cause a short circuit.

However, you can make the capacitor look cosmetically correct for judging even though the wire is no longer connected. I did this on my car for judging purposes, and it worked out fine.

If you clip the broken end of the wire to get a clean cut with no frayed wire strands, you can heat the insulation on the wire and carefully pull it down about 1/10 inch beyond the end of the copper wire. Then fill the open end of the insulation with some epoxy.

Now you have a "wire" that has no electrical conductivity. Carefully insert the end into the capacitor and secure is with a very small amount of epoxy. Done carefully, it will look fine and won't present an electrical risk.

Even so, I would only use this for judging. For regular driving, just disconnect the cap or replace it with a repro.

[Robert D.]

Re: condensor on the ignition coil

the wire broke of deep in the capacitor i know how to solder exposed wires but am not familiar with soldering in a hole like that. but anyway, i ordered one from coevette central and it is a refurbished original exact duplicate in all respects. very happy about that. they also list the ones for the generator and voltage regulator for those of you interested.

thanx
bob defalco

[Bernard M.]

Re: condensor on the ignition coil

See the article on pages 4-5. It demonstrates how I fixed the capacitor on my generator.

http://www.stlouisncrs.org/news_files/Jan_2006.pdf

Bernie

[Richard M.]

Re: condensor on the ignition coil

Bernie, Great article and repair method. Thanks for sharing!
Rich