Condenser on alternator purpose

[Duckman1]

I have spent countless hrs trying to figure out why my merchruiser 120 wont spark. Found a ground wire going to condenser on alternator. The end on condenser the wire goes to positive lead. Making the system ground out. When i remove wire from condenser it fire up. Any answers would be appreciated.

Thanks John

[Bozeman Bob]

The condenser on any points type ignition is used to collapse the ignition coils magnetic field more quickly. It must work or you will not get spark. The condenser on the alternator is just for radio interference. If that isn't working you will get a lot of static. They are not connected to each other and serve different purposes. Hope that helps you out.

[Bozeman Bob]

Also your points usually have to be replaced, gapped and dwelled every couple years. I would buy a aftermarket electronic kit that replaces your points and condenser forever with no upkeep needed and very easy to install. Think they go for around 100.00 on ebay. Lets you idle down a bit more as well.

[Duckman1]

The condenser on alternator is the only problem why is the ground wire conected to it. I dont have a radio so i will probably not connect it up

[Bozeman Bob]

If everything was working the way it was wired up then I would buy a new condenser and leave it the way it was. The ground wire is there to ground the unit and complete the circuit. If works when you remove the wire and you don't care ,then go ahead and run it that way .