Do condesors have a shelf life?

  • ckahleer
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Do condesors have a shelf life?

23 Feb 2024 18:55
#895558
I have heard they have an electrolitic paste inside them. Will this dry out with age? I am looking to get a tune up kit, mainly for the points, but would be nice if the condensor is usable.
NOS Nippodenso Tune Up Kit.
94 KE100
82 KZ305
85 VF1100c

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  • Warren3200gt
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Re: Do condesors have a shelf life?

24 Feb 2024 03:34 - 24 Feb 2024 03:36
#895562
NOS nippondenso or cheap Chinese crap repro.
I know where my money would go. 
I don't think they have a shelf life. I've several that are original to the bike and are still serviceable.
Green 650 below, still on original points and condensers owned since new in 77. 18k miles. 

Z1000J2 somewhat modified!

Last edit: 24 Feb 2024 03:36 by Warren3200gt.

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  • slmjim+Z1BEBE
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Re: Do condesors have a shelf life?

24 Feb 2024 06:42
#895563
Quality seems more important than age.

Capacitor Failure in Conventional Ignition Systems
nonlintec.com/sprite/cap_failure/

We have factory OEM & NOS condensers that still work fine after 40+ yrs. & tens of thousands of miles..Observed spark on points break when running is little to none, & point contact material transfer is minuscule.  Off-brand & non-branded condensers land on the table at swap meets for cheap.

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  • asphalt900
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Re: Do condesors have a shelf life?

24 Feb 2024 09:44
#895566
Actually those "condensers" do kinda have a shelf life but only if stored under extreme conditions. They are just capacitors afterall with a set uF. And surely built like the foil/oil design of former days but fortunately encapsulated in a tin can for this application. Check for immediate shorting and if possible, equipment available a leakage test. OEM's are pretty resilient but STEER clear of the aftermarket crap. I've a whole bag of the originals if needed but never checked. 

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  • ckahleer
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Re: Do condesors have a shelf life?

24 Feb 2024 13:13
#895569
 My plan is to take out the cheap Chineze stuff the PO put in and replace with Quality parts, (points, condessor, ignition coil). Right now the bike has no spark, (ke100). I don't want to troubleshoot with questionable parts.
I'm seeing both Daiichi and Nippondenso NOS ignition parts avalible. Both say "Made in Japan". Are both these the good stuff?
94 KE100
82 KZ305
85 VF1100c

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