olddragger

iTrader: (3)

I didnt think a digital system required one?
Anyone?
OD

paulmasoner

iTrader: (1)

I am assuming condenser=capacitor in your questions, right?

assuming so, and with absolutely no basis to stand on here thats is specific to our cars ignition...

I'd imagine any one of the normal reasons a capacitor is used. Filtering/smoothing, energy storage, coupling, reactance, timing... I think most of these can be ruled out very easily and a quick look at the design of the system should reveal the appropriate use in this case

hard drive with the manuals is across the room, and no crutches/support within reach, or I'd go look for ya real quick

RX8Soldier

iTrader: (24)

I'm sorry (considering your situation), but, I just burst out laughing!!!

ehh-hem. Sorry... continue

paulmasoner

iTrader: (1)

lol, its ok. I laughed at myself for being unable to do such a simple thing as well lol


OD: could you confirm that you're referring to a Capacitor(s). and if you could expand a bit on it, I may be able to answer simply from an electrical view. (i just cant focus enough to picture things in my head on my own right now)

Targatheory

Yeah, thought condensers were only used with old school points ignition.

olddragger

iTrader: (3)

a condenser is hooked up in series on the wiring harness that goes to the ignition coils. Maybe it is there for feedback? Whatever that means.
Thanks Paul--hope the leg is getting better--enjoy the lortabs!
OD

paulmasoner

iTrader: (1)

Odd, Would've expected all that to be done and hidden away inside the PCM. I cant even remember is the ignition system is AC or DC, but its more than likely just signal smoothing, noise rejection, or similar. I'm pretty positive it has nothing to do with the old CDI based systems.

Where is this thing at? I've never noticed it. Markings/size?

olddragger

iTrader: (3)

it is bolted down--cant remember the oem location. I had to move it when i put my kit on.
Its in the work manual under electrical diagrams.

PhillipM

Little black box that bolts down with a 10mm bolt to the earth plate over the engine? Just for noise reduction for the coil power afaik.

paulmasoner

iTrader: (1)

Dammit! I was up only a few moments ago too and I didnt remember to carry the hard drive with the manuals back to my chair

thats what I was thinking also. Its been so long since I've even been under my hood I couldnt guess, but from an electrical standpoint thats about the only thing that makes any real sense.

MazdaManiac

iTrader: (3)

Correct.

paulmasoner

iTrader: (1)

thanks for comfirming MM, this has been at me all day. (i'm gonna blame teh meds for being unable to see the function in my head lol )

olddragger

iTrader: (3)

Ok so if you run without one--forget to plug it back up--whatever--what will happen?
OD

Brettus

iTrader: (2)

/\ your radio will not like you

paulmasoner

iTrader: (1)

depends on the circuitry in the PCM, quality and location of grounding, etc. (I assume the noise filtering is to protect the PCM from high freq interference created by the coils/spark...)

given the right scenario RFI can entirely shut down electrical circuits from proper function. But I imagine it'd be a good idea to put it back just in case.

MazdaManiac

iTrader: (3)

The noise on the power circuit for the coils will cause misfires.

paulmasoner

iTrader: (1)

wow. I wouldnt have thought that. there's enough EMI in the power circit to cause the coils to fire/not fire? damn

ASH8

This Condenser Originated from 1992-02 FD Rx-7 and is the same used in Series 1 RX-8, but it is not used in Series 2, but they share the same ignition coils.

N3A1-66-991 Condenser

March 2020 EDIT:
Mazda re-introduced this same Condenser into Series II production line after the first year of S2 make date from AUGUST 3rd, 2009 to end of production in mid 2012.

jl1rx7

iTrader: (2)

Those have been used even longer than that. Don't think the part number would cross but FC's have something similar in them.

paulmasoner

iTrader: (1)

interesting. must have implimented another means(in the PCM I guess?) of noise rejection considering what MM said

ASH8

Yes, vaguely Similar in FC.

The FC had a small round noise suppression Condenser On the Distributor, PN 1757-24-334 (originated from RX-4), it was a simple job, screwed on outer Distributor Body as Earth and a single wire connector to positive power source.
Only other condensers on FC was introduced from 1st April 1986 on the Alternator (single wire job again) and a square Audio Noise Suppressor or Condenser in Engine Bay mounted on Strut Tower FB01-66-991B...Some FC's had two of same part, the others mounted on Transmission...similar looking to the S1 RX-8.

DoubleWishbone

Old thread but wanted to add this note. The series 2 wiring diagram does show a condenser on page 0140-b but I'm not sure if it's the same part number as the series 1. It is shown configured as an AC shunt between chassis ground and ignition power (i.e. 12V) indicating that it is most likely intended (as previously stated) for attenuating harmonics associated with ignition events and minimizing effects on other circuit (e.g. the PCM among others). I suspect that the ignition coil assemblies would also include local decoupling capacitors for preventing supply rail glitches from causing false ignition triggers rather than solely rely on the remote mounted bulk capacitor. These filter caps, wherever they may be, serve a different function than those used as part of the high voltage generation (the old days condensers, just another name for caps). Often times, these caps' function was explained away as simply preventing a large voltage from forming across the mechanical points at the end of the dwell and this is/was certainly the case. But my take on it from a reverse engineering perspective (I don't specialize in high voltage power electronics engineering) is that these caps also form a tank circuit with the coil at the end of each dwell cycle and produce a decaying sinusoidal oscillation as the energy bleeds off via the secondary winding into the spark plug. Without this effect I suspect smaller percentage of the energy initially stored in the magnetic core during dwell would make it to the spark plug not to mention that the spark would not last as long.

ASH8

Umm, to set the record straight, I was correct in what I originally said about Series II RX-8's DO NOT have this Condenser N3A1-66-991 like Series I RX-8's have ,
why, because I am always right and I am a know all of now over 40 years Mazda wholesale and retail parts experience.

My early 2008 (08/07/2008) built Series II RX-8 does not have this Condenser.....BUT.....after about 1 year of Series II RX-8 Production MAZDA Japan (Hiroshima line) re-Introduced this exact same condenser and used on Series II for the FIRST TIME, this was FROM Production Date AUGUST 3rd, 2009 to end of production in mid 2012.

Why?, I do not have a clue, perhaps S2's were getting Radio noise from Coils, believe me if Mazda can save a production $buck they will.
I will amend my original post.

motodenta

Noise reduction, 0.47 uf 250v
there is one of + of ignition coils
other on fuel pump
other on back shelf for trunk light

And few specific design electric noise filter over brake pedal and other for rear defroster and Bose amp

Some where between models they made few changes tho.

Personally I add two other to my ignition total 1.41mf as I ruing D585 and I belive they need it !

cardmarc

what pn does the mag pickup from the pulley use? Same as FD? Better yet, where do I download the RX8 engine parts book?