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MG TD TF 1500 - Condenser - local source?

I need a condenser for my '55 TF. TF distributor D2A (serv #40367B)

I know that local sources have been discussed previously on the BBS, but I didn't see a FLAPS (Friendly Local Auto Parts Store) name, brand, or part number. So ...
> Where should I go
> What should I buy?
I live in Orlando.

This condenser is on order from British Parts Northwest. The lead is attached to the condenser with a nut. I predict that I will overtighten the nut and destroy the piece! So, I need a good backup.
http://www.bpnorthwest.com/condenser-mg-td-tf.html

Thanks for your help,

Lonnie
TF7211
LM Cook

I found a suggested interchange part for a condenser for my TF-1500.

I bought a Beck/Arnley Condenser #172-5829 at Advance Auto Parts. (on order to arrive tomorrow morning)
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/beck-arnley-condenser-172-5829/18026432-P

I got the interchange number from Post #16 by Pete Motorcar Garage in this thread from The MG Experience ...
"In my case, with advice from Jeff Schlemmer, I purchased a Standard brand LU206, which Jeff tells me is intended for an MGB. It fixed the problems I was having with the TD, and I now steer clear of buying condensers from the usual suppliers."
http://www.mgexp.com/phorum/read.php?46,2530382,2530382#msg-2530382

Here is a list of interchange parts for Standard brand LU206:
http://www.yoyoparts.com/oem/12090511/standardmotorproducts-lu206.html#

My distributor did not have the original solder-in condenser. The breaker plate had been drilled and tapped to accept a screw-in retainer for the condenser.

I have another condenser, #DCB110X, on order from British Parts Northwest that is advertised as for TD and TF. Requires a wire or brass strip to be attached to one end of the condenser It has a mounting clip, but could possibly be soldered to the breaker plate if you want a more original look under the dist cap.
http://www.bpnorthwest.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=DCB110X

I also ordered a no-name standard output coil with screw-in HT lead from Northwest to replace the Lucas Sport coil SP-12 dated October 1987.
http://www.bpnorthwest.com/ignition-coil-w-screw-in-ht-lead.html

I have been fighting an ignition skip and occational backfire for months. I replace the condenser with a new Moss condenser, but it was defective. I thought that the engine was gonna expode with the popping, missing, and backfiring with the new condenser.

Hopefully at least one of the two new condensers on order plus the new coil will solve my problem. I have tested, repared or replaced just about everything associated with the fuel and ignition systems. I'll install them on Saturday, set the point gap and timing, adjust the carbs, and go for a long (I hope) test ride.

Lonnie
TF7211

WSM page C-9

LM Cook

Lonnie, any condenser will work as they are all about .25 of a microfarad.
Len Fanelli

I still haven't found a suitable condenser for my '55 TF-1500 at a local auto parts store. The condensers that I mentioned previously don't fit.

> What are you using in your TF distributor? Is Moss the only source?

I know that most .25 microfarad condensers will work. The problem is the mounting tab that attaches the condenser to the breaker plate. I searched images on the internet and my local Advance Auto Parts store without success.

My distributor (Lucas D2A, Serv #40367B) needs a condenser with hole in the mounting tab even with the "wire-end" of the condenser. And the mounting tab needs to allow the condenser to rest in the recess of the breaker plate.

The condenser is different to the one in the TD/TF WSM that I showed in my previous post. A photograph of the condenser that I need is in the 1954 "Lucas Quality Equipment & Spare Parts" book -- #418113 for TF Midget. A search found that the condenser and its substitures were used in only a few English cars from 1953 to 1959.

An MGB condenser ($7.39) was recommended on a number of sites, but the mounting tab is in the rear. That's what I am using with a slip-on mounting bracket that barely holds the condenser and may slip off at any minute.
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/beck-arnley-condenser-172-5829/18026432-P?vehicleIdFromReq=-1&isAllVehicle=true&vehicleIdSearch=-1&searchTerm=172-5829&showTitle=

Moss sells condenser #163-900 ($15.95) that fits, but the first one I bought was defective. I bought another and haven't intalled it. I'm a little gun shy of the Moss condenser.
http://www.mossmotors.com/graphics/products/PDF/163-700.pdf

Thanks,

Lonnie
TF7211

> TOP: Condenser #418113, 1954 Lucas Parts
> MIDDLE: The condenser that was in my distributor when I bought the car.
> BOTTOM: Moss condenser.


LM Cook

All I have seen since the 70s have been the short type that was the middle one in your pictures. Try Abingdon Spares- no clue if the same source as Moss or not. I think Doug Pelton or someone recently said in an article that they found a bunch of true NOS condensers, but many of them were defective. Since it has been about 35 years since anything was made without electronic, local supply not promising. How is the head? George
George Butz

Thanks, George -

The only problem is the mounting clip. I don't think that I am good enough to solder the clip from the middle pic onto an MGB condenser. I wouldn't be comfortable with JB Weld, either. Lovin' old cars is getting harder every year as parts dry up.

I'll try the new Moss condenser after I install my "new" TF-1500 head and make sure that everything is working OK.

I pulled the head and chased the dirty threads in the spark plug holes. I believe that they are good to go. I'm painting the engine and detailing the engine bay. I'll re-install the head when finished. Then cross my fingers for luck when I start it.

Lonnie
TF7211
LM Cook

Even if you could solder a clip on I would be concerned about the damage heat might have on the internal construction of the capacitor.

I would suggest the following.

Insert the capacitor,apply electrically conductive epoxy, install the clamp, allow it to cure.

The electrically conductive epoxies are not cheep, usually they contain silver.
Here is one. Its about $22 for a package.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#66395a11/=s8k9it

If you mix just a tad, you can store the balance in a refrigerator (or a beer cooler) for an extended time.

Jim B.
JA Benjamin

Thanks Jim -

I agree that heat would damage the condenser if I tried to solder the clip. I had forgotten that the clip needs to be electrically connected to the breaker plate, so skip the JB Weld idea.

>> My original questions is still on the table ...
What condenser do other (TF) owners use with this breaker plate?

Lonnie
TF7211
LM Cook

This thread was discussed between 07/05/2014 and 02/06/2014

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