Capacitor check

Capacitor (it is located outside on the ignition distributor) has a significant impact on achieving the required ignition voltage. It prevents sparking at the breaker contacts and, consequently, their premature burning.

Capacitor failure is indicated by badly burnt breaker contacts, a weak ignition spark, and difficulty starting the engine. In general, faulty capacitors are extremely rare. An accurate check of the performance of the capacitor can only be done using special measuring instruments. However, in most cases a visual inspection or trial installation of a new capacitor will suffice.

Visual check

Remove the ignition distributor cap. Separate the contacts with a screwdriver. If there are burn marks on the contacts (of blue color), this indicates a faulty capacitor. Traces of gray or black should not be cause for concern.

Turn on the starter with the ignition distributor cap removed (an assistant should do it). During start-up, observe the contacts of the breaker. If strong sparks constantly appear between them, then this indicates a malfunction of the capacitor. The appearance of weak irregular sparks is normal.