Voltage regulator 560SEL

[greenacres2]

I've figured a lot of stuff out, but on our 560 one of the screws for the voltage regulator is right in front of the oil filter housing. Easy to see and touch, but I can't get to it even with a z-shaped screwdriver. I hate to loosen the alternator and remove the belt to do this, but it looks like the only way. Any ideas??

Also, there is a wire with a black, rectangular, rubber coated metal piece hanging off the back of the alternator. I can't see anywhere it might have come from. What is it??

Thanks.

[greenacres2]

ttt

Why kill yourself? Remove the alternator so the pix will become clearer - you might even be able to see that the mystery wire is going to. It might be a little extra work to remove but it will be much easier to fix and diagnose. If you post that the mystery wire comes from xxx someone will be able to tell you where it terminates at yyy. Good luck!!!

[MikeTangas]

Can't say for the 560 (haven't looked), but the 4.5 alternator has a wire that terminates in a black cube also. That cube is bolted to the center of the backside of the alternator (if that makes sense). No idea what it is, I just know I had to attach it when I did the alternator swap earlier this year

[greenacres2]

moedip & Mike,
All right, I'll quit being lazy and remove the alternator. I had shown the black thing to a friend of mine last week, and he thought it might be some sort of noise (electrical) suppressor. The pigtail is too short to go much farther than the middle of the alternator. There is a gap near the voltage regulator it looks like it might fit into, but I'd guess not judging from the length and "memory" of the wire. I'll post againwhen I get it done. Thanks again.