On the back of my original equipement Bosch alternator is a small rectangular box, with one wire coming out of it, that attaches to a terminal. The other end is held to the back of the alternator with one Phillips head screw.

What is the name of this part, and can it be purchased anywhere?

Thanks!!
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If it needs to be maintained, repaired or replaced on a 1990 240, I've probably done it. '90 240DL, 315,960 miles, will she make it to 400K ?? >>You haven't really worked on a car until you draw blood<< :-}

The device is a capacitor which is needed on the alternator to bypass or shunt the lower frequency whine that comes from the alternating field leakage before the ac power is rectified. It is also called a noise suppresson capacitor in parts books. The mounting screw is the other connection.

Tracking device. Shusshh


Actually I think it's a noise suppression dealy you are referring to.

Good answer, wolfman. OP prolly now just needs to know he doesn't really need it, unless his stereo just started whining something fierce.
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Art Benstein near Baltimore

I always wanted to be somebody, but I should have been more specific.