coil question

[dave`12]

Working on my points distributer, engine hard to start and runs poorly. I just found that the capacitor/condenser wire on the coil is not hooked up. I'm guessing it goes the + on the coil, it's the only place the wire is long enough to reach.

SO, I would like some info on this. Why did the engine run without it, what will happen when I hook it up? Not quite ready to start the engine, as I haven't set the points and dwell yet.

any info appreciated.

dave