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condenser shelf life. Is NOS OK

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05 Jun 2021 08:47 #849642 by ckahleer
condenser shelf life. Is NOS OK was created by ckahleer
I noticed intermittent sparking on one set of point on my 81 KZ305. About for 3 seconds every 30 seconds at idle. Engine also sputters during the time it is sparking, but idles smooth when it is not. I found NOS condensers at a good price, so thought I would give one a try. Is there a shelf life on these things? Can one be tested with a DVM?
94 KE100
81 CM200t
82 KZ305
85 VF1100c

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05 Jun 2021 09:50 #849644 by Warren3200gt
Replied by Warren3200gt on topic condenser shelf life. Is NOS OK
I would rather go 50 year old nos than brand new Chinese crap that will crap out in 6 months at the most.
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Z1000J2 somewhat modified!
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  • hardrockminer
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05 Jun 2021 12:15 #849647 by hardrockminer
Replied by hardrockminer on topic condenser shelf life. Is NOS OK
I agree on the crap from China but I would go electronic ignition if I could.
I have several restored bikes along with a 2006 Goldwing with a sidecar. My wife has a 2019 Suzuki DR 650 for on and off road.

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  • slmjim+Z1BEBE
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  • Enjoy Life! IT HAS AN EXPIRATION DATE!
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06 Jun 2021 05:11 #849680 by slmjim+Z1BEBE
Replied by slmjim+Z1BEBE on topic condenser shelf life. Is NOS OK
A few of our Z1's are running the original condensers they came with out of the factory.  Sparking is very minimal, as is pitting/material transfer of point contacts.

If 45+ year old condensers are still performing well that have been subjected to thousands of heat cycles, we'd be confident in genuine NOS condensers.

Good Ridin'
slmjim & Z1BEBE
A biker looks at your engine and chrome.
A Rider looks at your odometer and tags.

1973 ('72 builds) Z1 x2
1974 Z1-A x2
1975 Z1-B x2
1993 CB 750 Nighthawk x2
2009 ST1300A

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