HI Guys,

I seem to have an ignition problem with my early 70's Cota 247.

I had a spark....a good one.....and then I didn't!

Not totally sure, but suspect it may well be the condenser....so have another ordered to test.

but....

I know that there is a suggested mod, where you take the condenser out and place it up higher on the bike, rather than down behind the rotor.

Could someone give me a quick run-down on how you do this.

Where do you put it?

What kind of wire do you use?

Where do you lay the wire - how does it get out from behind rotor and through cover?

Thanks tons

cheers

eib

Here's what I did on my Bultaco.

The condenser wire just goes inline with the black wire from the points. This is the same wire that goes to the coil.

Don't ask me how this all works, pure voodoo is all I know.

Thanks for that.

looks pretty simple so as soon as I get the new condenser, I will pull the cover off and change the position.

Does the wire need to be a heavyish gauge or will it not matter too much.

cheers

eib

Thanks for that.

looks pretty simple so as soon as I get the new condenser, I will pull the cover off and change the position.

Does the wire need to be a heavyish gauge or will it not matter too much.

cheers

eib

I didn't add any wire except to jumper on the junction block. I don't know how the Montesa does it. I should ask my brother what he did. Heck, he's probably got pictures too.

You may not want to use the stock condenser. The NAPA one mentioned has a tab to use for mounting already.

I have mounted an external condenser under the petrol tank next to the ignition coil on my Montesa 349. The original condenser was removed from the magneto stator plate.

The condenser used was a Lucas DCB203C. This comes complete with wire attached and a separate "P" shaped clip. This condenser was used on a wide range of cars just before electronic ignition became commonplace.

Opening up the mounting hole in the "P" clip allowed it to be fitted onto one of the M6 bolts holding the coil. The wire is long enough to reach the coil and has a male bullet connector crimped on the end. I cut the bullet off and replaced it with a female spade connector with a male "piggypack". The original wire is unclipped from the coil, the new condenser wire is clipped to the male terminal on the coil and the original wire refitted to the male piggyback. No other alteration to the wiring under the tank is required.

If the Lucas condenser cannot be obtained locally in the UK try "Auto Electric Supplies" who have a website shop.

I'm guessing there aren't too many NAPAs in the UK...

I didn't add any wire except to jumper on the junction block. I don't know how the Montesa does it. I should ask my brother what he did. Heck, he's probably got pictures too.

You may not want to use the stock condenser. The NAPA one mentioned has a tab to use for mounting already.

I don't have any pics, but it is not too different from the pics of the bultaco, and TayId's description is great. Just about any small engine capacitor/condenser will work. I bought one from the local Lowes Hardware for a lawn mower. It had the wire lead on it and a mounting tab that made it easy to mount right next to the coil.

Hi All

I don't think it matters what type of condenser you use. I had ignition problems with my early 70's Cota. I took the old condenser out and chucked it away as it was not working. I mounted a second hand condenser I had from my Land Cruiser on the frame as close as I could to the coil making sure it was well earthed to the frame and crimped it to the black wire going into the coil. No problems. Starts 1 or 2 kick every time even though I don't use the bike for up to 5 or 6 weeks at a time. See ya

Hi All

I don't think it matters what type of condenser you use. I had ignition problems with my early 70's Cota. I took the old condenser out and chucked it away as it was not working. I mounted a second hand condenser I had from my Land Cruiser on the frame as close as I could to the coil making sure it was well earthed to the frame and crimped it to the black wire going into the coil. No problems. Starts 1 or 2 kick every time even though I don't use the bike for up to 5 or 6 weeks at a time. See ya

There was an extensive discussion on the Bultaco Forum. Different condensers were measured. Condensers do vary although one's within a range will probably work.

if it helps i run the sondensor on my SWM under the tank

i use a Bultaco condensor as it is easier to bolt on thanks

to the mounting tab- works a treat