How do points and condenser work on a motorcycle?

The ignition coil and condenser transform the battery current to high tension current which will jump the gap in the spark plug. The breaker points opens and closes the primary circuit at the proper time. The spark plug provides the means to fire the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder.

How do points in a distributor work?

Points. Ignition points are a set of electrical contacts that switch the coil on and off at the proper time. The points are opened and closed by the mechanical action of the distributor shaft lobes pushing on them. The points have a tough job, switching up to eight amps of current many times per second at highway speed …

How do you check points and condenser?

How to Test a Condenser in a Small Engine

  1. Remove the condenser from the engine.
  2. Switch the volt ohmmeter to the ohms position.
  3. Touch the red lead to the hot connector on the condenser.
  4. Remove the leads and reverse the placement to the condenser.
  5. Movement from the meter’s needle indicates the condenser is good.

What is the purpose of a condenser on a motorcycle?

The condenser is effective in preventing burnout of the point contact, but its main purpose is to instantaneously interrupt the primary coil current.

HOW DO points work in a motorcycle?

How do they work? Unlike modern systems, points are all mechanical. Points take their name from the two contact points that open and close to create a pulsating spark keeping your engine alive. The points are sprung loaded and open and close via a cam on a spinning shaft.

How do I know if my points are working?

Test for continuity between the block and the stationary point attached to the distributor plate. Rotate the engine until the points are closed. Use the multi-meter to test for a good connection between the points. A slight gap when the points are supposed to be closed will keep your machine from running.

How do you know if a point and condenser is bad?

A failing points and condenser system can cause rough running, misfires, lean and rich conditions. If the engine is difficult to start, and runs rough once it does start, then it is time to contact a mechanic to have a look at the system and find out exactly what the problem is.

What causes points and condenser to fail?

If your car has standard ignition system wiring and a ballast coil, current flow through the circuit will be excessive and the points, condenser, and coil all may fail prematurely.

What does condenser do for spark?

Basically the function of a condenser in a coil ignition circuit is to reduce the spark at the contact points as they open in the distributor and thus minimise burning and pitting of the points. Arcing is caused by the effect of self induction in the coil as the points interrupt the flow of current.