Points and condenser question.

drp146 · 04-13-2012, 07:31 AM

I have a 1969 911 that came in less than stellar condition as far as running smoothly goes and it had a cheap electronic ignition that I think was faulty. I don't think the motor is original to this car. I am trying go back to points for now. I bought new points from Pelican but they tell me there is no condenser listed for this distributor. I worked as a mechanic for many years and I never heard of this before. The distributer is a Bosch 0 231 184 001, J FUD 6. Does anyone know if this runs points without a condenser? Dana Dinham thought it might have come with a nCDI system. I don't see anything like that still on the car, but then it could've been removed. Any help on this will be much appreciated.

Peter Zimmermann · 04-13-2012, 07:57 AM

If that particular engine/distributor was built using a Bosch CD, the distrib would not have had a condenser. Everything was changing at about the time your engine was built, if it's a "T" it might not have had a CD, but an "E" or "S" would have. Post your engine number so we know what you have.

drp146 · 08:14 AM

I forgot to say the the previous owner said he was told the motor was from a 1972 911. Do you know where the engine number is located?

Peter Zimmermann · 04-13-2012, 08:33 AM

Look at about 5:00 o'clock on your big cooling fan's housing. You will see a vertical "boss" (flat, rectangular, machined surface) that is a support for the bottom of the fan housing. That surface will have your engine number, and it will face to the right (passenger) side of the car..

drp146 · 04-13-2012, 08:37 AM

Thank you. I will get that number.

wwest · wwest's Garage

The condensor could be located elsewhere just as long as it's electrically across the points, coil side and to ground.

drp146 · 04-13-2012, 03:24 PM

Thanks for the replies, I really appreciate the help. The engine number is 6117368.

Fishcop · Fishcop's Garage

If it doesn't have to be factory stock, a Crane XR700 electronic ignition module is well worth the effort and will have you engine running really well.

drp146 · 04-13-2012, 04:44 PM

I lean toward running original equipment, but since it's not the original engine, then it's not really a factor.

BReyes · BReyes's Garage

Do you have a three pin connector in the left side of te engine bay and three small brackets. If yes that is the bracket and harness for a CDI. three pins, A to coil B Switched 12V C from points.

Regards,

HarryD · 05-18-2012, 10:28 AM

The condenser is necessary for Kettering type of ignitions systems to reduce the burning (and failure of) points when the coil releases it's energy. You can read about how it works here: Kettering Ignition.

For CDI Systems, the points are merely a very low current switch to trigger the CDI unit.

Good discussion on ignition systems here: Thoughts on Kettering in a '77? on why Porsche went to CDI.