May need to replace one on my '55, but it's a stock 6v system....Question... are condensors voltage specific? Must I get a 6v condensor or can I go to NAPA and just get one that will mount in the same spot as original? - no matter what it was for?
NAPA probably stocks the one you need, not a whole lot to a condensor. I was told its basically just tin foil wrapped up in side of there. Just start by having them look it up by application.
They come in 6V and 12V. I don't know what will happen if you run a 12V condensor on a 6V system. I don't know that I have ever done that. But if you run a 6V on a 12V system it will burn it out. At least that's been my experience. Never the less NAPA or any other parts store should be able to fix you up. Or drop GMC Bubba a note he probably has one on the bench cheap or at least priced well.
Condensers are not voltage specific. Chevy sixes used the same condenser from 1940 to 1960. The only differences are how they mount and how they hook up. Bill
Condensers do have a voltage rating, but it is a maximum rating. It needs to be at least 600 volts to handle the voltage produced in the primary through self-induction when the field collapses.
As long as the voltage is the same as your system or higher, you can use a 12v condenser in a 6v system but not a 6v in a 12v system. Condensers are voltage specific...
On a GM 12 volt system, the points are only getting about 7.5- 8 volts due to the ballast resistor. Don't think it will make a difference of what condenser you use since you have a 6 volt system.
The peak voltage that a condenser sees is when the points OPEN and the coil field collapses - has more to do with the resistance of the coil than the battery voltage. Typical voltage on coil field collapse is on the order of 400 volts DC Here is a direct reading on the coil with a 6V system running a 1.5 ohm coil at 700 rpm idle speed
The Jalopy Journal
