Yes, it's a capacitor to smooth out the AC ripple from the alternator. Taking it out doesn't necessarily mean you don't have a problem. (sorry).

You will now have slightly higher voltage, but with a lot of AC in it. AC in the DC line is not good for some components, like radios and computers.

Best Regards,

e

.::.

 

Thanks eolon! I went out and looked at a few other alternators (on my wagon and a couple I have in the shed) and none of them have the capacitor. I'll have to see if there is any interference with the radio... as referenced below ...but, as none of my other w123s have had a capacitor attached to the alternator and I never noticed any static or other issues... *is it really necessary*???? And where does one get one???

opinions????

I found this post by 300D Boy...http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w12...orums/w123-e-ce-d-cd-td/1739714-1985-300d-alternator-replacement-procedure.html

8- Remove also the capacitor from the old alternator. You will need this to eliminate that static noise that an alternator can put out. Or so I heard. If there's no hole for the small bolt, just attach it to one of the 4 alternator bolts that stick out and put a nut on it to hold it. This is what it looks like: