I need some help identifying a part.

It is from an '84 SE.
It looks like a capacitor. Only one wire comes out of it.
The wire is frayed, and I have no idea what it attached to before.
Mounted on top of the engine where the engine and bell housing meet, looks to be held on by one of the clutch inspection plate bolts? Very close to the clutch slave cylinder.

The engine has been out of the car for a while, so I can't tell you how this would effect the engine's operation with the wire severed like this. If it is something I need to fix, please tell me what it is and where does the wire lead to. I couldn't figure it out with the Haynes Manual.

I'm borrowing an image from another thread to help show the mystery part.

Thanks!

 

That is a condenser.

I believe that particular one is for the oil pressure sender!

 

Lol mine's just like yours. I've been meaning to remove it since it's not connected to anything.

i've been told that they helped stop radio interference from old style park plug wires or something, some people say they give you cleaner spark(wth?), who the hell knows!

i was curious when i noticed it because I recall seeing them connected to coils, I think. I kind of remember my IHC Scout II having one strapped to the side of the coil and going to the negative side of it.

 

Its a condenser. In other words, its a capacitor. Typically these reduce noise on the 12V rail. This particular one (Connector C-17) is to reduce noise from the oil pressure sender. Without it, you may notice jitter on the gauge.

 

+1 Sgt. Fox.

 

Thank you very much. I knew about condensers on the old style point ignition systems. I was at a loss as to why there would be one for the oil gauge. As long it is isn't critical, I guess I can move onto something else for now.