kill switch condenser briggs 23AFB

[sgull]

I was looking under the cover of the kill switch on my recently acquired Briggs 23AFB engine (type 703525) and noticed the wire on the condenser doesn't look too healthy. There's some insulation burnt/melted off where the wire passes over/touches sort of a centrally located slotted screw on the switch, and there is a blackened/burnt residue on that screw head where it contacted the exposed stranded wire of the condenser, and in addition at least one or two strands of that wire are broken. Here's a picture for what it's worth (sorry the close-up function on my camera gave out (I need to get that fixed or get a different camera): [/URL]

I'm fairly certain the part number for the condenser is 291369 and I saw at least a few available on ebay. Unless somebody here has and extra one lying around they wouldn't mind sending me for a fair inexpensive price. Also, I am wondering what typically might be the cause of that wire heating up and burning through like that. Thanks

[RoyM]

The condenser stores a fair bit of energy, it would arc if not properly insulated. That is an old engine so deterioration is normal, that might be the original. Is a new one going to break the bank?

[sgull]

The condenser stores a fair bit of energy, it would arc if not properly insulated. That is an old engine so deterioration is normal, that might be the original. Is a new one going to break the bank?

Naw a new one won't break the bank. I was just curious about it in general. I don't know much about condensers and just thought I'd toss out what I noticed here for comment. thanks.

[KE4AVB]

Condensers are nothing but a capacitor with one plate connected the metal casing. Several hundred volts of stored energy can stored in them when use in small engines are use to trigger the ignition coil's primary circuit.

Fellow techs with a mean streak like to charge them and toss them to unexpecting co-workers.

I work with capacitors that can store several 1000's of volts of energy and they can cause some serious injuries if not properly handled. I have had the tip of one finger to receive 3rd degree burns because a capacitor that had recharged in a power supply that I drained but fail to leave a safety attached.

[sgull]

Thanks for the explanation/description and comments KE4AVB. Yeah now I'm reminded of some past experience I've had some kind of outdated outdoor commercial light fixtures (a retrofitting/updating project) where there were some potentially dangerous capacitors and condensers we (me along with co-workers) were cautioned about proper handling, similar to what you've discussed a little in your response. We were by no means techs but just "parts changers" so were just told of what to be careful with. And I'd still consider myself a "parts changer" since back then, not too technically educated in things of electrical nature especially (obviously probably, per my inquiry/post here).

[wristpin]

The brutal way to discharge a capacitor is to just short it out. The better way is through a suitable resistor.