Chev 350's - Keep blowing condensers

bumperlt

Recruit
Joined
Jul 24, 2004
Messages
2
I am posting this for my father who has no idea what is wrong with his distributors. He has replaced the condensers in his engines many many times. I dont know the specifics of the engines, the boat is 32' long, and has two chev 350 marine engines. They constantly blow condensers, and everything is brand new or rebuilt. If you need more info just let me know. Thanks!<br /><br />-Loren
 

DHPMARINE

Captain
Joined
Dec 16, 2003
Messages
3,688
Re: Chev 350's - Keep blowing condensers

I've never heard of this problem,Loren.As I think about it only two thngs come up.Too much voltage to the distributor,should be a resistor or a resistor wire,or a strange ground problem,oil under condenser mount?<br />DHP
 

WillyBWright

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Dec 29, 2003
Messages
8,200
Re: Chev 350's - Keep blowing condensers

See if there is paint or rust between the distributors and the forks that hold them down. The problem may be grounding and not condensers. Bad condensers are really rare. You might try grounding them by making a wire to jump between the distributor housings and the engine block.
 

elpaso

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 27, 2003
Messages
264
Re: Chev 350's - Keep blowing condensers

You need a resistor or coil with built in resistance going<br />to distributor. To reduce voltage to 8-9 volts.<br />If distributor is getting 12 volts, that will burn points and condenser <br />up in just a few hours. <br />With an older boat, who knows, how many people have played <br />with the wiring ?
 

bumperlt

Recruit
Joined
Jul 24, 2004
Messages
2
Re: Chev 350's - Keep blowing condensers

IT is an older boat, however the engines and all the wiring and all the parts with them are brand new or rebuilt. he has put a new resistor in them multiple times. I will be sure to check the grounding though.
 

rattana

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 12, 2003
Messages
413
Re: Chev 350's - Keep blowing condensers

Measure the voltage between the positive terminal on the coil and the block. It should be 9 or 10 volts like elpaso says. Too high a voltage will pop the condensor.
 
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