Hi,

I just removed my steering column (69E, first design) and the ignition switch capacitor wire fell off (where it goes into the capacitor, so I guess it's not repairable).
Searching the different vendors results only in a 63 - 67 ignitions switch capacitor which looks pretty much the same as mine. Can I use a 63 - 67 or where can I get the right one?

Thanks!
Dirk

 

best i can tell, all a capacitor does is store energy. kinda like a battery perhaps. but, it absorbs excess energy. it is energized by what ever circuit it is a part of. if this is correct, although there are different types of capacitors, then you should be able to use another similar capacitor without any problems. perhaps?

i think that it is a radio noise suppression capacitor. to take care of static and pop and such. but i think that it (ignition noise) mostly interferes with AM. so, there is a possibility that you can do without it and there wont be any negative repercussions.

that being said, im sure if GM thought they could do without it, they would have. but that doesnt mean you can't do without it. especially if its just a AM radio noise suppressor, and you dont spend much time on that side of the dial.

these are no more than my thoughts gathered in one place to represent my hypothesis based on my limited knowledge and a small amount of understanding on what you are working on. so, please dont take my word for any of this... im just thinking out load.

i would bet there is surely someone in here that does know what they are talking about, and they will straighten me out, or at least fill in some gaps, and give you some good advice soon.

good luck

 

One "spike suppressor" [on a 12vdc system] is as good as any other. I suppose that a higher current draw might call for a larger capacitor, but my 'gut' feel is that they are all pretty much the same. All it does is smooth out the spike generated when a switch is made or when a motor or alternator is running. If you don't need it to be exact [ie, for NCRS judging, etc], just put in one for a different year.

 

Thanks for all answers!
I will go for the 63 - 67 capacitor.

 

It is kind of interesting that as far as I can tell, Saginaw never installed any capacitors on their steering columns. It makes you think that maybe the assembly plant slapped a capacitor on a vehicle only if there was ignition noise.

I know that my 1975 had a capacitor hooked into the brake switch circuit. It used one of those blue clamshell type splicers to hook the capacitor directly into the circuit wire. I could have sworn that a dealer (or Bubba) had put it in place. I later found out that it was an assembly plant installed part.

I also know that there are/were service bulletins describing various capacitor installations to solve radio interference problems.

On my new 1980 Vette here was a service writeup:
Loud snap in radio when A/C kicks out. Install 1960957 Capitor at A/C compressor; install 1960957 Capacitor at heater control; install 1960957capacitor at brake light switch; install filter (no part number on writeup sheet) in radio harness.

BTW, that car went back and forth to the dealer over and over again. Six pages of service writeups. Pits, globs, off color, peeling, and thin paint; interior parts not painted at all; misaligned hood; ripped/missing seals on T-tops; bad bearing in AC compressor; exhaust rattle; broken alternator belt; power door lock not working; steering wheel off center.
Hardly a great example of a St. Louis built Vette.

Jim

 

Actually, Jim, that was a pretty 'normal' Corvette at that time. St. Louis employees knew that they were going out of work and didn't really give a sh!#. GM quality in that era was the 'pits', too. Remember the 350 gas engines converted to run on diesel?

 

That's interesseting since I have dedicated wire on my harness for that capacitor (provided I haven't use the wrong one).