Alternator ?
 

I have an 85 GSL-SE. What is that little black peice that the alternator wire goes to before going to the fuse panel? Its kinda a little black plastic peice that attaches to the drivers side of the manafold cover.

Thanks

John,

It really isn't anything more than an intermediate mounting point. You can bypass it and run the wire directly to the fusible links. I don't see how it serves any real purpose other than possibly removing the strain on the wire from pulling on the alternator output post.

Kent

Realy! Why such extra crap?

I don't know, man. I have been trying to figure that one out, too. I originally thought that maybe it had something to do with alternator repair/removal, but you could just as easy remove the wire from the alt itself. Although, I usually disconnect the wiring at that block on the manifold (it is a little easier to get to that the connector on the alt). I think it was either Max7 or Jimmy54 that shaved their block off completely. All it is is a terminal block that is insulated from ground (of course). If anyone has a better idea of why Mazda put it there, I would be interested to know.