Can condensers be replaced with electrolytic capacitors?

[edward]

Can condensers be replaced with electrolytic capacitors? If so, what size? How many farads?

[OldSwartout]

I measured them once, IIRC they were 22 µf. If anyone else has better info, chime in.  The correct ones are probably available from Richard Clark.

I have also used the condensers from the 60's and 70's GM cars mounted externally near coils. They are the same value. They're available cheaply at auto parts stores.

[BRT-GTR]

   The condensers are easy to find, certainly for the 350. The kawasaki KZ series of bikes used the same ones, search on the internet, usually plenty available.  Make sure the mounting bracket faces up the correct way.

[slawsonb]

Karl's approach has been my "go to" for years. They work great and there's plenty of room to mount then under the tank close to the coils, so no one will be the wiser...;-)
...bert

[czmike]

Hi Edward,

To answer your original question directly: No, you can't use electrolytic capacitors in this application.
They will fail. For one thing the voltage on the ignition capacitors is high - around 100 to 200 volts peak.
Not just 12 or 14 volts.

Condensers & capacitors are the same thing - capacitor is the modern word (post 1970's) while condenser is still widely used in the
automotive world. 

The service manual states the capacitance value as 0.25 to 0.3 micro Farad (mfd or uF), the voltage rating needs to be at least 250 volt (mine are marked as 275 volt).
Your options are many as these values are very typical for many car and bike points-based ignitions so you just need to find something that fits nicely.

Many modern Digital Multimeters include a capacitance measuring function and every motorcycle enthusiast needs one in the tool box.
Just don't run the engine when you are measuring things as the ignition interference will make the readings go crazy wrong.
Even when checking the battery or the charging voltage ("R" type spark plugs & spiral-wound HT leads will fix this!)

Best Regards,
Electrical Mike

[edward]

Thank you so much. A very precise answer but be careful, I've got a lot of questions coming. 

[BRT-GTR]

      Keep 'em coming, Edward.   There's not much we can't answer between us and it passes the time during lockdown, stay safe.                                                     Brian.

[slawsonb]

Kudos to czmike for pulling us out of the weeds!...lol
...bert