condensers

[stevasaurus 22,764]

I've got 2 10hsp Kohlers...Raider 10 and the B-100...the Raider 10 quit running about a week ago, and after some checking it out, figured it might be the condenser. I took the one off of the B-100 and switched it on the Raider 10. She started right up. I left that one on and I had one that I think is for the 1964 Ford with a 223 six cylinder. I put that one on the B-100 and she seems to work fine...started right up. I have searched the past threads and read them, and dabbled on the inter-net, but nowhere does it say (that I can find) that a condenser is nothing but a condenser. I understand what it does...my question is...am I in trouble for not using an expensive one from Toro that is specifically for a 10 hsp Kohler or will this one work? Will I get pitting on the points, etc? The one I used has the wire and is the same diameter...it is about 3/8" longer. It is a Delco D-204. Open for discussion on this. Thanks

[TT-(Moderator) 1,131]

All I have ever been told was to use a condenser for battery ignition on a battery ignition system, and a condenser for magnetos on a magneto system.

There is a difference in the microfarad rating, (capacity, I guess you could call it) but that doesn't necessarily mean that an engine won't run with the "wrong" condenser - it just means that the condenser and/or points won't last long.

[EdG. 5]

My local NAPA dealer was able to get me points and condenser for my Kohler k series motor.

Reasonable price.

Ed

[Buckshot 1 15]

:wh: Steve, what TT stated is correct. If your tractor has a battery powered ignition, then the condenser for the Ford will work just fine. On my Kohlers, I only use Kohler points and condenser. All though in a pinch I have used NAPA points and condenser. You just have to state wether its for battery/ mag. powered ignition. :dunno:

[stevasaurus 22,764]

Thanks guys. Both the tractor and that condenser are for battery ignition. I only use this horse for leaves, snow and shows and riding around the block some times. I guess my concern is...is there a difference in the storage capacities between various battery ignition condensers and where would I find that information? That is what I can't find information on.

[Retired Wrencher 5,464]

Thanks for that post, Steve. I am in the same situation with mine wire broke. And this. That is how they made them back then.

[953 nut 55,290]

The unit of measure for a condenser is the Farad. Many electronic components like radios and TVs use capacitors that are in the microfarad range (ten to the minus six power Farads) and our small engines use a condenser that is in the nanofarad range (ten to the minus ninth power Farads) which is based on the voltage range they work in. A magneto ignition system uses a 100 to 250 nF condenser and a battery ignition system uses a 200 to 500 nF condenser. A good multi-meter will have a capacitor testing function.

Armed with this information you can walk into your auto parts store and get a very confused look on the face of the person on the other side of the counter. The capacitance is not listed on the package and probably not in any of the on-line data they have for the condensers they stock. You just have to go by the application chart and be sure that the condenser you are buying is for the type ignition system your engine has, not just the horsepower or engine size.

If an engine idles well, but runs erratically when revved up, like it hits and misses, pops and backfires, then chances are, it needs a new condenser/capacitor. And always install a condenser/capacitor with the wire facing downward so rain water and/or when washing off engine, water will not enter inside condenser/capacitor, ruining it. With water inside the condenser, this will also allow it to idle well, but cause it to run erratically when revved up.

What is a farad (F)? A farad (F) is the standard unit of capacitance (C) in the International System of Units (SI). It indicates the ability of a substance to hold an electric charge. The value of most electrical capacitors is expressed in farads, microfarads (µF) or nanofarads (nF)

[Retired Wrencher 5,464]

Thank you for that info Richard. Will save this. I just looked it in the Kohler big book for a K301 12hp it looks like a #235786 or a 230722 condenser numbers.

 

Edited August 24, 2022 by Retired Wrencher

[953 nut 55,290]

2 hours ago, Retired Wrencher said:

I just looked it in the Kohler big book for a K301 12hp it looks like a #235786 or a 230722 condenser numbers.

Thanks, I just looked those two part numbers up and the 235786 is for a Kohler engine with a Magneto Ignition whereas the 230722 is for a Kohler engine with a battery powered ignition system. There were no specifications as to the capacitance of either one.

[squonk 41,145]

I would think the Kohler battery ignitions would use the same condenser from 8 to 16 HP

[953 nut 55,290]

9 hours ago, squonk said:

I would think the Kohler battery ignitions would use the same condenser from 8 to 16 HP

Yes, the Kohler 230722 Condenser fits all battery ignition single cylinder and twin cylinder from the K-90 to the K-582.  The 235786 condenser for the magneto equipped Kohler engines only lists K-161 to K-301.

[Retired Wrencher 5,464]

Ok Thanks Rich and Mike. for the info. I now know what to get.