[Healeys] fuel pump condenser

[Bob Spidell]

Condenser = Capacitor 

I think some (expensive) DVMs have a capacitor check function. A capacitor/condenser is basically a current sink, at least until it becomes saturated with electrons. So when you apply voltage/current to a capacitor, it will appear as a dead short for a brief instant, then appear as an open circuit. Conversely, the capacitor will discharge its electrons when its leads are shorted or a load is placed across them. You can test for a shorted capacitor with the voltage and/or continuity function on a DVM--if it's shorted there will be no voltage (just like crossing the tips of the leads). If it's open, well, that's where you need a capacitor check function. 

I seem to recall you can test with an 'old school' moving coil voltmeter--when the leads are applied to the capacitor the indicated voltage will rise a bit slower than an open circuit. 

Note some capacitors--notably electrolytics, which are sometimes used in (older) SU pumps--are polarity sensitive. Apply the leads backwards and you can/will destroy the capacitor (probably leading to a short condition). 

Bob 

----- Original Message -----



Is there a way to easily check the condenser on the fuel pump (Moss calls it a 
condenser- I've always thought of it as a capacitor)? I am suspicious because 
of the recent points problem I've had. 
Rich Kahn 
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