Norton Villiers F15

I'm trying to repair a Norton Villiers F15 generator set which looks very similar to the one in this YouTube video, except that mine is missing some significant bits, and the condensor is mangled.

So my first question here is on the condensor: does anyone know the specifications for it?  
Is there even much difference between one condensor and another? They all do the same job and one spark is much like another spark...

And can anyone advise on an exhaust? Mine is completely missing...

I have a manual for Villiers F15 rather than Norton Villiers but I'm guessing parts are much the same.
Condensor - IIRC it should be 250VDC  and around 2.2 microfarads

Try L&S - showing out of stock at the moment but worth a call.

https://www.lsengineers.co.uk/villiers-f15-ignition-condensor.html

As for exhaust, that (eyelid) style does pop up on fleabay now and again. L&S have  'pepperpot' style but you would need to check flange dimensions and hole centres.

Woodsman wrote:I have a manual for Villiers F15 rather than Norton Villiers but I'm guessing parts are much the same.
Condensor - IIRC it should be 250VDC  and around 2.2 microfarads

Try L&S - showing out of stock at the moment but worth a call.

Thanks, I've sent them a query. Meanwhile, I have to wonder if there is any signficant difference between automotive capacitors and the ones loitering in my random electronics box...
But first I'll check the capacitance of the spare one for the van.

As for exhaust, that (eyelid) style does pop up on fleabay now and again. L&S have  'pepperpot' style but you would need to check flange dimensions and hole centres.

Any tips on search terms for ebay? I'll expect about 7 million results if I search for "Exhaust"...
Do we know how critical anything about it is? I'm inclined to assume not: it's not a racing engine: it shouldn't need to be critically tuned.

After advice from a respected magneto repair specialist I have just replaced a faulty condenser (capacitor) in a Wico EK with a Rifa PME 271M 250v  0.22µF.  You will have to check that it will physically fit inside your magneto.

Woodsman wrote: 2.2 microfarads

0.22µF

I used the exhaust elbow off a C12 on my MK20 so I know they are the same hole spacing, I'll compare it with the F15 on my Allam generator to see if its the same.

I used an aftermarket Briggs & Stratton silencer screwed into the Villers elbow, if you're not worried about originality a search for 'lawnmower exhaust' on ebay should come up with something you can adapt.

Garak wrote:

Woodsman wrote: 2.2 microfarads

0.22µF

Couldn't find 'µ' on my keyboard !!

Woodsman wrote:

Garak wrote:

Woodsman wrote: 2.2 microfarads

0.22µF

Couldn't find 'µ' on my keyboard !!

If you are using Windows try Alt + 230 or Alt + 0181

If you are using Mac OS or Mac OSX (as I am) it's Alt + M

Woodsman wrote:

Garak wrote:

Woodsman wrote: 2.2 microfarads

0.22µF

Couldn't find 'µ' on my keyboard !!

The position of the decimal point was the rather more serious issue...
Is is 22 or 2.2µF?

Garak wrote:

Woodsman wrote: 2.2 microfarads

0.22µF

These are different by a factor of 10 !!


Oh, and RIFA capacitors are not that reliable, they have a reputation for letting the smoke out

Garak wrote:After advice from a respected magneto repair specialist I have just replaced a faulty condenser (capacitor) in a Wico EK with a Rifa PME 271M 250v  0.22µF.  You will have to check that it will physically fit inside your magneto.

I don't think space is a relevant issue on this engine. At least, not in these terms. Did he give any reasons why that one? Possibly that is a question for an electronics forum...

My Mk20, MK12 and F15 all have the same exhaust flange hole spacing so you have some options.

blue cat wrote:

Garak wrote:

Woodsman wrote: 2.2 microfarads

0.22µF

These are different by a factor of 10 !!


Oh, and RIFA capacitors are not that reliable, they have a reputation for letting the smoke out

I was taking part in a discussion on a FB magnetos group concerning repairs to a Wico magneto and this was a quote from the group moderator.

Wima caps have always had a good name. I'd want to check their DV/DT rating, but I've never knowingly had a Rifa PME271M fail yet, and always managed to physically fit them in anything.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/349645382440054 Wico EK a nice surprise

Garak wrote:

blue cat wrote:

Garak wrote:

Woodsman wrote: 2.2 microfarads

0.22µF

These are different by a factor of 10 !!

Oh, and RIFA capacitors are not that reliable, they have a reputation for letting the smoke out

No Greek characters and a typo!! Not mine finest post. Apologies to all

Woodsman wrote:No Greek characters and a typo!! Not mine finest post. Apologies to all

Well I don't know: what a way to greet a new member!

Hairyloon wrote:
Well I don't know: what a way to greet a new member!

Seems you've been around here longer than I have !!

Woodsman wrote:

Hairyloon wrote:
Well I don't know: what a way to greet a new member!

Seems you've been around here longer than I have !!

Ah yes... but only on paper...

Hairyloon wrote:

Woodsman wrote:

Garak wrote:

Woodsman wrote: 2.2 microfarads

0.22µF

Couldn't find 'µ' on my keyboard !!

The position of the decimal point was the rather more serious issue...
Is is 22 or 2.2µF?

Did we resolve this question?
Ignoring the small point that the suggestion was 0.22 not 22...
Either way I had no luck finding anything on an initial enquiry, and I put the project back on the shelf, but given that they're threatening us with power cuts, I thought I'd best raise its priority...

[url=Rifa PME 271 M X2 0, 22µF]Rifa PME 271 M X2 0, 22µF[/url]

Garak wrote:[quote="Either way I had no luck finding anything on an initial enquiry, and I put the project back on the shelf, but given that they're threatening us with power cuts, I thought I'd best raise its priority...

[url=Rifa PME 271 M X2 0, 22%C2%B5F]Rifa PME271M 2.2µF capacitor on Fleabay[/url][/quote]
Thank you.
The link is broken, but searching that on ebay gives multiple hits...
The question remains on what capacitance, and also on how much does it mater?

Hairyloon wrote:

Garak wrote:[quote="Either way I had no luck finding anything on an initial enquiry, and I put the project back on the shelf, but given that they're threatening us with power cuts, I thought I'd best raise its priority...

[url=Rifa PME 271 M X2 0, 22%C2%B5F]Rifa PME271M 2.2µF capacitor on Fleabay[/url]

Thank you.
The link is broken, but searching that on ebay gives multiple hits...
The question remains on what capacitance, and also on how much does it mater?[/quote]

I'll try again: Fleabay Link

2.2µF is the correct value for condensers.

Garak wrote:

Hairyloon wrote:

Garak wrote:

Hairyloon wrote:Either way I had no luck finding anything on an initial enquiry, and I put the project back on the shelf, but given that they're threatening us with power cuts, I thought I'd best raise its priority...

[url=Rifa PME 271 M X2 0, 22%C2%B5F]Rifa PME271M 2.2µF capacitor on Fleabay[/url]

Thank you.
The link is broken, but searching that on ebay gives multiple hits...
The question remains on what capacitance, and also on how much does it mater?

I'll try again: Fleabay Link

2.2µF is the correct value for condensers.

Thanks. Got that on order now. Today is proving to be expensive.
A tenner is not a lot, but it seems like a lot for a little capacitor, and on top of that, I've just not quite accidentally bought two more engines...

Garak wrote:I'll try again: Fleabay Link

2.2µF is the correct value for condensers.

Oh, hang on, that link is for a 0.22µF... I hope you misplaced the decimal point?

Hi I got my replacement capacitors from Brightspark Magnetos, see link below.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwizo9-M99L6AhU-QkEAHW8NAg0QjBB6BAgOEAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbrightsparkmagnetos.com%2Feasycap%2F&usg=AOvVaw2odMPD6fBwR-I_p7ZeW_I_

They produce the "EasyCap" which is available in two values as a universal replacement device, as well as bespoke replacement units to suit certain magnetos. They also have a good description on the function and selection of the value of capacitors for magneto use.

Neil.

neil (LE) wrote:Hi I got my replacement capacitors from Brightspark Magnetos, see link below.

Well, I've ordered the one off ebay now. I'll see how that goes, but thank you for the suggestion.