How to Test a Condensor on a Vintage Outboard Motor

[@newmoon54]

Hi Mike, Sonny from the "Outboard Medic" in Wilmington, N.C., saying ~Yaheee~ !!! Really enjoy watching your videos!!!!! You're a super-host,, everyone agrees!!!! Keep these very informative and IMPORTANT teaching lessons coming!!!

[@randy1ization]

I recall when I was a kid, the guy at the auto parts store used to charge one up, and leave it on the counter.. people would come in and start fiddling with it and get a nice little shock...

[@nickkramp2765]

I have been rebuilding the Classic OMC motors (54through 64) for north of 25 years and even though I've rebuilt more than 50 motors, I find your videos very informative and technically accurate. Thanks for a job well done. You are, no doubt, helping a great many folks in the hobby.

[@trevacox4428]

Yes He Is !

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

I really enjoyed the article about the capacitors! 😁🛫

[@TimeSlipVoyager]

Thank you Mike for your knowledge and time to share this with us.

[@MrDalegray]

You have the best videos on youtube. Easy to understand. Thank you

[@dwightfoster9695]

Great job explaining condensors. Using it to fix my old VWs. Thanks Dwight

[@insolentstickleback3266]

Found your channel a few days ago, bless you for sharing the skills and info.

[@realboily7545]

Thank you, I’ve got to look at this, mine 1972 … 6 hp Evinrude doesn’t want to start..!

[@scottyb8413]

I really enjoy your videos. Very informative and just what I was looking for. Thank you for showing us.

[@williamsherrill2071]

Mike, thank you for your simple straight forward explanations.

[@jfrichardsonjr]

Thanks Mike. Liking your presentation from Coronado, CA.

[@Youza899]

Great simple explanation mike,Just ordered a set of 2 on ebay for $8,gonna go ahead and replace mine for the fun of it now that I know the purpose of them

[@dalitohana6979]

I have a Stevens ST75 meter and it has a function test called Leakage which simulates high rpms when a motor is running. All the new black OMC topped condensers I have tested like the one you are holding have passed. Most the used black topped OMC condensers I have passed the test. No older style OMC Red Topped Condenser have passed the test and I suspect would prematurely burn the points so I just throw them in the trash. They were made differently back then. With new modern day meters you can test capacitance but I have not seen a leakage test that is like the ST75 Stevens meter it hits the condenser with a rapid repetitive test and you can watch the meter go way down into the Red/Leakage/Fail zone. The ST75 is also good at checking to see if a coil produces weak spark compared to others. Sorry if this is a re-post but I posted it and it disappeared.

[@jj-eo7bj]

How much does the tester cost

[@sammyrothrock6981]

As an electronics engineer myself for 30 plus years have found temperature sensitive Capacitors may test fine at room temperature or higher but totally fail at cold temperatures lower in microfarad . This is why an esr meter is superior it doesn't just load a Capacitors with a small voltage it actually checks its resistance even different than a typical volt meter .

[@willhoyle752]

Love the info!!! Now, how do I use a meter to test the coil?

[@michaeljsimon]

@@willhoyle752 kzbin.info/aero/PLmMizJOF01-AUoVhZ0ZizXdxjnGJReTwR&si=wq6OtrUe3qTLH4bx

[@timpirkl2498]

Thanks Mike, bought one today.

[@KornFerryRob]

Very much appreciate your videos. SO helpful and informative.

[@randy1ization]

the capacitor changes the sine wave of the voltage for more stable voltage and a consistent spark,., would be interesting to know what the capacitance is on the little condensor..

[@cruzenkats1437]

I have a 9.5 Johnson 1970 and I can’t get the ohms down to 1 it at 3.1 and both cylinders are reading this at the same time what’s going on? Can you tell me?

[@michaeljsimon]

You are fine --- 3.1 is a good reading -- different coils read different.

[@davemilster]

Great video Mike. On AOMCi they state the condenser for a 1950 Evinrude 1.5 hp sportsman is 0.2 mfd. My tester is reading 0.271 mfd which is much closer to 0.3 mfd. Is this slightly higher capacitance ok? Or is it too far off from the 0.2 called for?? Thanks in advance! Happy Fishing too

[@michaeljsimon]

@@davemilster good reading.

[@samtate1260]

I have two fluke meters thank you for all the info GOD bless

[@sait33]

Useful and Helpful information Highly appreciat it 🙏

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

I just found you channel, I am 68 years a former Electrical Engineer from the learning tube theory and latter digital electronics. Started playing with electronics in Boy Scouts at 12 years old. All along growing up on the water in South East Virginia. At age 15 I started taking flying lessons. Today I am a retired pilot airline and corporate pilot. As for checking a capacitor I always used the ohm scale on my analog Simpson 260 meter charged the cap on ohms scale removed the probe switched to the lowest voltage scale touched the probe back to the lead of the cap. With a good cap the needle would swing to a voltage value and slowly discharge the cap. For $23.00 it hard to beat a meter that measures MFD. when I was 14 I rebuilt a 1963 I forget if it was a Evinrude 10 Hp sport twin or fast twin. That was one good engine heavy but dependable.😁🛫

[@FishingWithJo415]

Good afternoon, im having a no spark issue after running my mercruiser 3.0 with DDIS system. it will run perfect for 1 hour or so, then it will just turn off with no spark while in the water. no spark at the coil but will turn right back on when the motor cools down.

[@danielrobert7181]

Again, very interesting and informative. Merci mon ami et vive la Louisianne !

[@eduardoyanez7282]

Excelente video. El manual de servicio de esos viejos motores establece como rango normal de esos condensadores entre .25 a .29 mf. En mi 9.9 1975 evinrude los valores demis condensadores eran de .69 y .70 mf, y funcionaban bién. No deben ser exactos esos rangos de trabajo para esos viejos motores. Saludos desde Venezuela.

[@geogeoo876]

Hola me podría decir porque mi motor cuando jalo la cuerda para prenderlo está súper dura .la quité y la rueda que gira la flecha está dura podría decirme que esta mal en mi motor?

[@eduardoyanez7282]

@@geogeoo876 Hola amigo, podrian ser muchos motivos, (bujes desgastados, falta de lubricación etc.), sin saber que modelo es tu motor poco te podrán ayudar.

[@danielrobert7181]

According to my Seloc Service manuals, OMC used 2 different condensers, # 580321 (Sierra part 18-5199) which specs out at 18-22 MFD and # 580419 (NLA) at 25-29 MFD. The latter was used on 18 hp (1962-72), all 20 hp, 25 hp, 33 hp and 40 hp (but 1960-61). Please note that all 30 and 35 hp came out of factory with the lower capacitance condenser. Regards mes amis !

[@EllisOllinger]

These videos are great!

[@Tree-feller]

Thank you so much for your detailed explanation, good work! I took your advice and bought the exact same micro-farad meter. I followed exactly what you said. I have 3 brand new, unused, condensers and 2 used of which one for sure failed. The gauge comes up telling me 0.00 every time. I have watched your video over and over, what's wrong?? Thanks for any helpful input!

[@michaelthorpe9560]

the condenser that is reading ""0.00"" has an internal short inside it!,, inside the condenser is a rolled up coil of ""well near as dam it"" baking foil (silver foil) using plastic insulating film!,, this insulating film must have a hole in it,, and there is your dead short!,, any condenser that will fit inside your engine,, that has a higher voltage and with more capacity will work,, but in any case,, if you fit a more powerful ignition coil you will also need to up rate your capacitor, as the normal one just wont stand up to the extra whacking its getting from a more powerful coil,, hope this explains things for you

[@bryanabsher2405]

Can you tell me how to test a Johnson 1970 40 horsepower electric shift how do you test the forwards and reverse gear if you don't have the hook up for it

[@Bobbybbops]

Mike. Im getting .270 on my old condenser. New one reads .305 You get .309 Is .270 usable? Its a 4hp 1984.

[@michaeljsimon]

Yes

[@rolandorfortunato456]

Excellent video Sir.

[@angiesullens2126]

Mr T where do yo buy paint for you outboards ? How do you make sure it matches ? And where do you get the decals? And what do you clean them with ? Befor u paint ?

[@michaeljsimon]

All your answers are in my videos. Thx

[@endofthebarscreamer6998]

Just what I was wondering

[@curtisballer688]

Thx for video T-Mike!! Curious what condenser/capacitor for 50’s era should read in microfarads? I’m looking at 30hp I know you don’t do these big ones but they must be close to a 18hp thx man!

[@TimsWorkshopTJY]

Hi Mike, not actually a vintage part but have you ever tested a regulator/rectifier? I know if you unplug it and your motor runs better it shows that it's bad or if your charging system is not working to keep your batteries charged. Just wondering if there is a bench test?

[@frankfluharty6367]

What is the symptom of a bad condenser? Other than shorted being no spark, would an open or weak condenser produce a weak spark?

[@kurtlyons136]

Excellent Video!

[@rexmasters2003]

Great explanation ! Thanks

[@price103599]

Hello T-Mike, need some direction please, I have a 1956 5.5 and a 7.5 Evinrude i am having trouble finding the rubber cap that is on the end of the prop shaft, if you can point me in the right direction, thanks

[@michaeljsimon]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6WWZoGKec6qr9k

[@michaelthorpe9560]

hi, I under stood that many condenser's can be as much as + or -- 50% of marked capacity,, depending on the quality of the condenser,, and you could fit any condenser as long as its capacity and working voltage is greater than you really need,, the condenser you show is .309 micro farads,, and that's "tiny!",, but you could fit 10 micro farads in that system and it would still work just fine!,, it would of course be much bigger in size,, but it will still work,, at the end of the day the condenser is basically an electric shock absorber that help's proven the electric shock from burning the points out and helps to discharge its power back into the coil so it speed up the next spark pulse,, I have tried this trick out with a tired coil and it did boost its output,, but with very high voltage output coil's, you must fit a larger condenser or you will only get a very weak spark and the points get badly burned very quickly,, ie: the more powerful coil needs a bigger and stronger shock absorber!

[@inthelandofmilkandhoney457]

Hi. I have a capacitance tester however I am never sure if some of the condensers are any good that read high. Most of the condensers that I test read approximately between 15-30. I assume that these ones are fine. The ones that read high 30-70 I’m not certain they’re any good and I discard them. Any thoughts???

[@michaeljsimon]

Can you get the specs from the manufacturer?

[@roadtrips42]

I bought a honytech meter, $30 on ebay, It gave no readings on any settings, just a bad meter. I have been 10 days trying to get an replacement exchange. These folks are in china, they sent a generic note that started with dear and offered me $8. I hope others don't get a bad one, cause you may be screwed.

[@easymac2004]

Thanks for all your videos they're very helpful!

[@michaeljsimon]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/laHCgqJ4hpaaj6s

[@charliethompson1078]

My condenser reads .232. At 2uf. Mont ward 3 hp is that good

[@charliethompson1078]

I bought the same meter you make things simple

[@michaeljsimon]

Sounds right

[@leonportelance9613]

'Layzay lay bon temps roulay' set the points and that Zarico

[@hudson8865]

Thank you.

[@flench1901]

Good stuff

[@outtatime4512]

So I was checking a capacitor from the lead to ground today and got 1 ohm. I considered it shorted. Is this incorrect?

[@michaeljsimon]

Yes

[@VaporwaveTattoos]

Testing the ones on my evinrude 4hp outboard, Doesn’t really do much with oms, Doesn’t climb but sometimes shoots out a random high number BUT It does start high then slowly drops to 0 in DV VOLTS, Are these good? 😂👍

[@michaeljsimon]

Don’t measure volts. Measure ohms

[@VaporwaveTattoos]

@@michaeljsimon thanks! 👍 I just tried that and it wasn’t climbing or anything, meter didn’t move, is it safe to say they are dead?

[@sammyrothrock6981]

The proper way to test a condenser is to use an ESR equivalent series resistance meter its even more accurate than a capacitor meter . It converts it into a resistance.

[@joemilich]

I'm not gonna lie. I will need to watch that again.

[@zacks_wrld97]

Weres a good place to get new spark plug wired

[@michaeljsimon]

Ebay

[@bebeslife4519]

I’m trying to get my 1980 Chrysler Sea King 15 running right. It’s only running on the top cylinder. I put a harbor freight compression tester and both cylinders seemed around the same pressure at 62ish psi. (I realized that the specific compression tester I bought was infamous for not being accurate and working right. So I think both cylinders have good compression after having it run on one. But the spark on the lower cylinder is noticeably weaker than the top. I got lucky and found the last discontinued condenser at my local boat store and I’m hoping that this will solve my problem! I appreciate your video! I am also appreciative of any other advice I may get. I’m wondering now which condensers on the points plate is top and bottom cylinder?

[@michaeljsimon]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/laHCgqJ4hpaaj6s

[@michaelthorpe9560]

easy to fine out,, you follow the spark plug lead from the cylinder miss firing to the coil,, and no cheap compression tester is calibrated,, if your compressions are within 10% of each other that's ok,, but if both cylinders only read 65 "ish" psi,, that is some what low,, try another compression tester!,, and hope they turn out to be closer to 80 to 90 psi!,, and with no,,, (ish!)

[@bebeslife4519]

@@michaelthorpe9560 I figured it out about 8 months ago. The spark plug wires were a bit confusing as they each went to a condenser but the condensers had a red and blue wire that made me confused. I think the coil at the front is the top and the one at the rear is the bottom but the condensers are placed on the sides and I tried to follow the wires. I ended up putting a new condenser in the wrong side with no difference being made. Then with my last hope and resort, I put the old one back in and replaced the 2nd one and low and behold it fired up louder and my dad and I knew it was firing both cylinders then! Seems run good now. Hiccups at idle and throttle has a dead spot then gets sensitive. I think it’s supposed to do that

[@WallyFischer]

T-Mike, where do I order parts for my 65 5 HP Evinrude motor? I watched a few of your videos but I never heard where to go to order parts. I live up north in Michigan.

[@michaeljsimon]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6WWZoGKec6qr9k

[@thelement3363]

Does it have enough capacitance to measure volts after "charging" it with your analoge meter on ohms to show 1.5ish v?

[@michaeljsimon]

No

[@thelement3363]

@@michaeljsimon Darn it. i was going to go try it on my mighty mite o/b struggling to spark. Gonna try to find a new cond and points for that old dog before i open it up again. thank you sir for the response and help!

[@karimsangkad817]

Hello do u have 1963 evinrude parts??

[@williamweirjr9749]

I'm trying to find out the year of my 6hp evinrude outboard motor. Serial number is all I see. 6902M E13937. Can you tell me please.

[@michaeljsimon]

1969

[@bjensen64]

How do you determine how many microfarads a condenser should be? Is the value the same for all vintage outboards?

[@michaeljsimon]

wrcoutboards.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Part3_Sizing_Condensers_Correctly.pdf

[@bjensen64]

@@michaeljsimon nice article, thanks.

[@lewishensleyjr9887]

Hello Sir. I'm not computer savvy but I'm looking for parts to rebuild all the electronics in the power head of a cd11. I also need a kit to rebuild the carburetor including the float. I got the engine from my uncle and he had it stored in a barn for many years, thus the mice were living in the powered and ruined most all the electronics. If you could get me a price on everything I need I would greatly appreciate it. I will also need the coil setting ring and whatever else you can think of that I will need to assemble it. I realize I'm asking a lot but you are the only one that I have to turn to for advice. Thank you in advance for your help.

[@michaeljsimon]

@@lewishensleyjr9887 kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6WWZoGKec6qr9k

[@shellemshiu]

Thanks

[@ryanmatt100]

Had an auto mech teacher in high school that would charge them up on 12v battery then toss it to you .......ouch🤬

[@ryanstropicalplantsoutdoor1989]

I'm trying to buy a rebuild kit for 66 mq-12a.....all the parts I find say the idle jet doesn't fit or press in tabs are to small The # on the carb is 309742 but nothing comes up

[@michaeljsimon]

Lookup carb kit on Sierra Parts online.

[@ryanstropicalplantsoutdoor1989]

@@michaeljsimon wow...i appreciate the quick response... It's hard to get any response out of most people anymore

[@ryanstropicalplantsoutdoor1989]

@@michaeljsimon I just found your channel yesterday and I really appreciate the way that you show things especially up close a lot of people have camera shots of far away and say you're supposed to turn this and that You are awesome..thank you

[@ryanstropicalplantsoutdoor1989]

@@michaeljsimon I just did and that is the site I was using from your reference But it still says it doesn't exist

[@michaeljsimon]

@@ryanstropicalplantsoutdoor1989 kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6WWZoGKec6qr9k

[@jamescompanion4001]

👏

[@mikedurhan9941]

Stupid me. I thought the purpose of a condenser/capacitor was to store electricity short-term, and then release it when called upon to do so.

[@samuelesios7031]

More viboe sir i"relly this matter to