What are the symptoms of a failing condenser? The pony motor on the 955 12H has been missing worse & worse… Just wondering if the condenser could be the culprit. Also, here is a picture of Rodger the Dachshund & I getting ready to skid some firewood on said machine.

Usually the engine will run rough, if at all. Back firing as un-burned fuel from the mis-fires in the exhaust catch. Most people suspect carburetor problems. Thus the saying, "90% of carburetor problems are electrical".

Do they burn the points too?

"Neil" wrote:

They also might start ok cold then as they heat up become less reliable, and so "won't start when hot". Might also get a yellowish spark instead of a bright blue spark.

I have a white spark now... what does that mean...?

"Neil" wrote:

They also might start ok cold then as they heat up become less reliable, and so "won't start when hot". Might also get a yellowish spark instead of a bright blue spark.

I have a white spark now - what does that mean?

Where can I get said condenser?

Cat should have it. Have a part #?

Caterpillar should have it or any of the magneto shops can get them if they don’t have it in stock. You can also test with a multimeter to see if they’re shorted or open. I think most ignition capacitors are about 0.3 microfarads.

Before I took the condenser out I would clean the points with an emery board and re check the gap. That takes very little time and can fix problems immediately.........or not and then you move on to something else.

"Neil" wrote:

They also might start ok cold then as they heat up become less reliable, and so "won't start when hot". Might also get a yellowish spark instead of a bright blue spark.

yes this has been my experience exactly....after a few minutes it starts missing...acting crazy...maybe even quitting...and no start...

-almost exactly the same as some electronic modules...