I am an idiot when it comes to boat motors. I was told my boat needs a new condensor. What exactly is a condensor and what does it do? How hard would it be for me to change the condensor myself?<br /><br />JP
It typically is changed in conjunction with the distributor points.<br /><br />The condenser controls the voltage spike so that the points do not arc when they open.
I condenser is a form of a capacitor. In cars and boats it's main function is to stop the points from arcing but also helps to fire the coil and produce spark. Some cars and boats will have another one on the plus side of the coil to help cut radio interference.<br /><br />To change take the top of the distributor off find the little round condenser, note how it is mounted and where it's wire is conected. Take out the one screw that holds it down disconnect the wire. Revers order to put in new one.
JP,<br /><br />If you are talking about a magneto outboard, the condensor, points and sometimes the coil are under the flywheel which requires a puller to remove.<br /><br />Chris.......
