What is the small electrical unit screwed on to the side of my alternator? It's just a little rectangular thing screwed on to the alternator with a short wire coming out of it with a female spade terminal on the end which connects to a male terminal on the alternator.
Whatever it is looks like it has got hot and melted, is it something I could get off of any sierra alternator down the scrapyard or do I need a specific one? Also is there any way if testing it to see if it's ok? I'll be surprised if it's any good looking at the state of it!

 

Sounds like a noise suppressor/capacitor mate....does your radio whistle?

 

The car doesn't run at the moment as I'm rebuilding it so no way of knowing if it's affecting radio. Took the car apart ages ago after having a front ender in it and when putting the alternator back in today i noticed this little unit looks to be melted, I'm wondering if perhaps it shorted out on something when I crashed it.

 

Exactly what he says, it suppresses the electrical noise to prevent EMI, yes the alternator is the same as found on other models I.E Ghia, the same alternator is also used on Granadas, the same capacitor may also be found on other alternators.

Martin

 

you'll get a brand new from a decent motor factors for a couple of quid. Durite still make them.

cheers,
Phil

 

Mine melted too, but still works, as said though only a few £'s new.
tabetha