Ignition Condenser(s)

[oranngetang]

I replaced the stock coil on the driver's fender with an MSD Blaster 2 with MSD ballast, and noticed the stock coil has a condenser mounted on the ballast. There is what looks to be a second condenser on the distributor itself. Is it normal to have two? Should I replace both with new units?

[cbuczesk]

I'm pretty sure the 240Z has two - 1 at the coil and 1 at the distributor. My 75 280Z has just the one at the coil. It wouldn't hurt to replace them with new ones.

Chuck

[beermanpete]

The one in the distributor is across the points and is required for the car to run properly. The one on the coil is connected to the positive side and is used to suppress noise that will interfere with radio reception and such. The car will run fine without it. By the way, they are the same capacitance value so they should not be interchanged.

[EScanlon]

...snip...By the way, they are the same capacitance value so they should not be interchanged.

You might want to re-iterate this. If A = B then B can be used in place of A except for mechanical mounting differences which you aren't referencing, nor are apparent. Can you explain?

E

[beermanpete]

You might want to re-iterate this. If A = B then B can be used in place of A except for mechanical mounting differences which you aren't referencing, nor are apparent. Can you explain?

E

Sorry about that. I meant to say they are not the same capacitance.

[TomoHawk]

Don't forget the one on the alternator. At mean, my '78 has one there.

[widget777]

SO what capacitance should I use on the coil? likewise what capacitance on teh alternator? I have a 78 Z

[beermanpete]

SO what capacitance should I use on the coil? likewise what capacitance on teh alternator? I have a 78 Z

The condenser for the points is 0.2 to 0.24 µf. The others are not shown in the service manual but 0.1 µf should work ok.

[widget777]

I bought condensors at NAPA. They are called radio suppression units but are capacitors. They are for my alternator and coil