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T140 ignition condenser replacement: routine?

2K views 7 replies 4 participants last post by  Triton Thrasher 
#1 ·
The Triumph Service Manual indicates 18 months max life at 68°. Obviously my 1973 OE condensers are overdue. Is this a routine replacement part? See pg 187 of service manual. Steve
 
#4 ·
Understand the concept of "if it works, don't fix it".

However, don't know if there's a curve applying to the efficiency of the condenser where it 'runs down' in it's capability. Is the condenser an on/off switch or does it wear out in the sense it doesn't provide optimal performance?

Ask anyone having top notch Hi-Fi equipment and they'll tell you capacitors become marginal after years of service or doing nothing. Didn't know whether similar considerations apply here where an old condenser would degrade ignition efficiency.

Steve
 
#6 ·
With the current availability of quality replacement condensers, unless yours show signs of fatigue (points arcing will be one of the first signs), I would leave them alone. Original Lucas codensers are often better at age the replacements are brand new. Tape a couple of replacements under the seat in case there is a problem.
 
#7 · (Edited)
OK, from a different direction, what are symptoms of a bike running marginally with one/two less than adequate condensers?

I don't have a clue, but thought I'd ask as mine are 42yo. Do they and the bike work? Yes, my bike works and runs well and starts well. But what is the outset of probs regarding failure? Bike dies, Bike runs like crap (could be anything) or Bike runs faster than ever (the brilliance of the incandescent bulb prior to failure)?

thanks
 
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