Capacitor on the back the clock...
 

On the back of the clock there was this capacitor with the running end tucked under the clock's rear cover.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...0a3717cacd.jpg


Is that supposed to be there?

THANKS!

DC3

I'll take a stab at it.
My 74 didn't have a capacitor there, but I would imagine that it is there to maybe stop the "pop" in your radio when the clock coil is energized. Or maybe when you turn on your marker lights.
That's my best guess.

For a capacitor to work it need to have two connections....it looks like one is missing in the picture. Is it possible that a lead has broken off on the left side of the capacitor (or next to the existing one)? Someone may have attached it at one time to try to filter out some noise and attached that one visible lead to ground at the clock. See if you can find another wire hanging out somewhere.

Edit: I remember that some capacitors had the case as the ground so maybe that lead wire is just miss-connected or going to a spot that is not ground.

More Edit: Took my gauge assembly apart to fix a oil gauge leak and found that the capacitor lead on my 1968 car goes to the amp meter.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...dadefd525c.jpg

Redvette2

Yes if your car had the optional radio. The AIM shows the RFI capacitors.. There are several of them in various locations.

:iagree:

I suspect that the attachment band is connected to second capacitor line and to electrical ground via the gauge housing. If your stock mechanical-electrical clock no longer works, or it has been replaced with a quartz movement clock, or your radio has been upgraded to a modern unit, then you don't need to replace it. Just leave it as it is.

Thanks gents ! Very enlightening !!!