Alternator Q

[808BMW]

What's this thing on the alternator: Black box with a wire coming out on the left side


I don't have it on my new one:


What is it? Swap it over?

[Alecs MacDonald]

The parts diagram calls it the "supression capacitor" as to what its for, I have no idea. Is your new one a remanufactured bosch unit?

[808BMW]

The parts diagram calls it the "supression capacitor" as to what its for, I have no idea. Is your new one a remanufactured bosch unit?

Nope, custom 220A from some random guy (Dom on SD if anyone posts there)

[chuckybob]

isnt that where the wee brush is located?

[BCMike]

Nope the brushes are under the voltage regulator on the right. I thought that capacitor was to dampen radio interference as the engine reved. If your new alternator has the plug for the wiring to connect to, there wouldn't be any harm. Ya might ask the new alternator supplier too.

[arsevader]

What's this thing on the alternator: Black box with a wire coming out on the left side

What is it? Swap it over?

BCMike is correct. Just swap it over. The documentation from most rebuilt alternators that I have purchased suggest that's what you do.

[e30Matt]

Yeah, the suppression capacitor is there to reduce radio interference. Just pull the wire off of its "blade" and remove the screw, and swap it over to the new alternator.

/repeating what everyone else said