What's this cylindrical thing attached to my VR?

[redgoat]

Anybody know what that cylindrical resistor looking thing is connected to the voltage regulator and what it's purpose is? I just replaced the voltage regulator and had the alternator rebuilt. The reason why I ask is that the base of the wire attached to this thing is frayed and it looks like I'll need to replace.

See pic

Ok that's my valley girl help call.

Thanks in advance!

Ralph

+++++++
'68 Red GTO
http://home.ix.netcom.com/~rmonis/id1.html

[THOR]

Welcome to the forum Ralph. I'm afraid I don't know what the part you reference does. Anybody?

[Mark B]

It is a capacitor just like in a points style distributor, some call it a condenser. A capacitor is an electrical device used for storing electric charge. The basic capacitor design consists of two parallel conducting plates separated by an insulating layer called a dielectric. The capacitor in this case is to get rid of alternator whine that is heard in the radio. The whine is cause by a slight residual ac ripple voltage. After the diodes in the alternator rectify the three AC phases and sum them all together, the combined result is a DC voltage with only a slight amount of AC ripple voltage remaining. Normally, there is not enough ripple voltage to cause radio noise. But, there are two conditions that can cause an increase in ripple voltage sufficient to create radio noise. These are diode failure and increased circuit impedance. There are two methods of filtering ripple voltage: bypassing the ripple voltage back to the source, or blocking the voltage ripple so that it cannot pass. Capacitors are used to bypass ripple voltage, whereas inductors are used to block noise currents. The most effective approach depends primarily on the circuit impedance. Capacitors bypass noise currents back to the alternator return path (commonly referred to as ground). To be effective, a capacitor must have a low impedance path back to the alternator. Consequently, a filter capacitor must be mounted as close as possible to the alternator (the regulator in this case). The capacitor is installed with one lead connected to the power output and the other lead to ground, so that it is in parallel with the circuit.

Hope this helps!

[theJUDGE]

My GOD Mark B, that was an awesome answer :!:

[Kevin-D]

OK I'll try.... :shock:

the answer would be.......


IGNITION CONDENSER
http://www.partsamerica.com/product_images/AAP/GPS/DR-DS/DR70.jpg
http://www.partsamerica.com/product_images/img/ACC/100108.jpg?SSImageQuality=Full

Under $10 at your local auto parts store. :wink:

[Mark B]

:?

[redgoat]

Mark B I have to hand it to ya! That was indeed a very good and thorough answer. I'll buy a case of beer for you anytime!

Thank you!

Redgoat Ralph

[Mark B]

Make it a Pepsi and you're on. :-) If the connector is bad I would definitely replace it, a bad connection won't allow it to do it's job.

[Rick]

That was one of the best answers yet....and I don't mean the technical stuff, but the way it was explained so even a traditionally non-wrench cranker like me can understand. Good job.

[THOR]

Yessir, great response about the capacitor !
Thanks for the post. Our new board member Ralph should have all his bases covered for that little puppy :wink:

[Mark B]

I've told told (by family and friends) that sometimes I get too technical. Glad I didn't offend anyone :shock:

Now, anyone have a lead on a chrome reverse muffler bearing?

[G6T8O]

Mark .. That answer was perfect for us! Thanx :)

[Mark B]

Glad to help!

[JLP]

And with points type dist. you will find one under the dist. cap. Be sure to replace it on a regular basis also unless you did with the last tune up. Don't remember too well and no books handy but may not have one under dist. cap with external condensor.