Alternator

[RogG]

I am in the process of replacing the alternator on my 65 with a rebuilt one I bought from Mac's.When I took off the old one there was a small cylinder thing on the back side which looks like a condenser of sorts. The wire from it to the lead wire was broken where it enters the junction with the lead wire. The question is what is this thing and where do I get a replacement for it? Also can I simply splice the wire from this thing into the lead wire?
I looked in my Ford shop manual but it says nothing about this thing (condenser?)...what it does,etc.

[Joe Vandatta]

I think it's the radio suppression condenser.
On my 66, it comes off the voltage reg. to ground.
joe

[Joe Vandatta]

PS- I used a ignition condenser when I replaced the one you describe and it works fine--I think they are one and the same.
On my 66 the yellow lead wire and the yellow radio suppression wire are spliced at the regulator plug in. The radio suppression wire comes out and leads to the condenser which is grounded.
Joe

[RogG]

Joe:
Thanks a lot! I would have never thought of that in a million years! It explains why all the pictures and diagrams in the shop manual don't how this condenser....it's got nothing to do with the alternator directly.
Now I need to figure out how to connect a new one to the ground wire since the original was connected in the factory y some kind of molded splice. I suppose a straight splice and a lot of electrical tape would work....going to get after it today.
Thanks again!

[Joe Vandatta]

Rog, your right on, it is sole purpose is to eliminate alt. noise on the radio--has nothing to do with alt. performance.
Joe