Author Topic: Source For Condenser?  (Read 519 times)

LindesayOne

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Source For Condenser?
« on: March 13, 2025, 02:51:17 »
Hi Folks.
Anyone know of a source for this condenser? It is attached to the Bosch alternator on my 69 280SL.
I’ve checked with Mercedes, eBay, NAPA, Authentic to no avail.
I’ve been told that the points condenser might do the job: is that true?
What happens if the condenser is not installed?

Much obliged if anyone can help.

John
John
1957 190SL 8500074 (RIP?)
1968 280SL 11304410006390 (RIP?)
1969 280SL 113044120011428 - Light Beige/Cognac

BobH

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Re: Source For Condenser?
« Reply #1 on: March 13, 2025, 08:41:29 »
Hello, this is a radio noise suppressor, depending on your radio, if you have one, it may no longer be required.  if you want to replace it it's a 2.2 microfarad, you may find an original looking one if you search, most are modern looking ones.  i know you have a 280SL but there's a picture and details on the 230SL suppression kit

https://www.sl113.org/wiki/uploads/Electrical/Bosch_230SL_Suppression_Instructions.pdf
February 1965 230SL Automatic
UK delivered RHD
Papyrus white, blue hard top & hub caps
Blue soft top
Blue leather

yves

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Re: Source For Condenser?
« Reply #2 on: March 13, 2025, 09:17:59 »
Hi John , i have the same connected to the coil, i disconnected it when i fitted a 123 ignition . i thought it was a redondant condenser as the one connected to the original distributor.
Happy owner of a 69 blue 280SL ,  63 FHC  osb E-type , 55 FHC XK 140 to be restored...

LindesayOne

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Re: Source For Condenser?
« Reply #3 on: March 13, 2025, 15:15:47 »
Many thanks Bob, as usual.
I'll search. My radio is a Becker Europa.

Yves, it seems you are saying the condenser on the distributor, (for spark suppression, I believe) is identical to the one on my alternator? In any case, I have a spare distributor condenser so I suppose I can try it on the alternator.

John
John
1957 190SL 8500074 (RIP?)
1968 280SL 11304410006390 (RIP?)
1969 280SL 113044120011428 - Light Beige/Cognac

WRe

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LindesayOne

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Re: Source For Condenser?
« Reply #5 on: March 13, 2025, 16:59:35 »
Thanks all, for your prompt responses.

wRE nailed it, however, the excellent Bosch spec sheet provided by Bob indicates that the condensors are identical for both the alternator and distributor.
No doubt the different part numbers reflect the different connectors. So my mission is obvious - just modify the wire connector on the distributor condenser to suit.

......again - thanks

John
John
1957 190SL 8500074 (RIP?)
1968 280SL 11304410006390 (RIP?)
1969 280SL 113044120011428 - Light Beige/Cognac

BobH

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Re: Source For Condenser?
« Reply #6 on: March 13, 2025, 17:09:08 »
Best check again John, the condenser may be the same one as on the ignition coil, for radio suppression, but may differ from the one on the distributor, which is there to protect the points, it may be a different value
February 1965 230SL Automatic
UK delivered RHD
Papyrus white, blue hard top & hub caps
Blue soft top
Blue leather