Testing ignition condenser

[JohnMc]

I just tried testing the ignition condenser using an ohm meter. I got no difference when connecting the red test probe to the "hot wire" of the condenser and the black test probe to the body of the condenser.
Is this the proper way to do this?
Comments please.
Thanks.

[Odoyle]

Try placing the black probe on the wall of your engine bay, and switch the dials around on your volt meter until you get a reading.

[JohnMc]

Thanks I will try it.

[divace73]

what are you measuring the condenser in? Ohm, F etc?

[JohnMc]

I was trying to see if the condenser was ok - but it was a faulty wire to the distributor itself. Thanks

[bluespider262]

A condenser is a capacitor. It should read some smallish value probably less than 1uf when your meter is set to measure capacitance (cheaper meters don't have that function) and should be open circuit lead to case.

Your engine should run without it so if you believe it is causing an issue just disconnect the lead temporarily.

Its essentially there to maximize the life of the points contacts on non-electronic ignitions. My guess is Fiat left it on the electronic cars just as noise suppression and probably isn't needed in 79+ cars unless you have a CB radio, etc. For instance, the GM ignition module the electronic cars utilize did not have condensers in their original GM applications, at least not since the early 80's.