What is this part that started burning?

[lewis71bug]

What is the cylindrical thing mounted to my generator with 3 wires attached? On my way home this evening, I saw smoke coming from the engine area and stopped. This thing was smoking and had a small flame. I think it caused some additional wiring issues because I'm pretty sure smoke was coming from the dash area as well, but it was hard to tell because this little thing put off a tremendous amount of smoke.

This is on my '73 bay.

I put out the little flame and disconnected both batteries.

Sorry, forgot to put the link to the photo earlier:


Is this a noise suppressor? Can I just remove it and splice the wires together?
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Wayne
71 Super Beetle (in the states)
72 Super Beetle (european)
73 euro Bay camper (type 1 engine)

[VDubTech]

Two thing...first off, it seems from your signature that you're in the wrong forum. You should be in the Beetle forum if that's what you're asking about. Some more information would be exponentially helpful as well, what year, what engine, etc etc. Second, PICS would be an incredible help. We like pics. They answer questions.
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First Trip in the RustyBus:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=279077&highlight=

[lewis71bug]

I'm pretty sure it's just a noise suppressor capacitor. I removed it and moved the wires to the D+ on the generator and everything seems to be working fine.
_________________
Wayne
71 Super Beetle (in the states)
72 Super Beetle (european)
73 euro Bay camper (type 1 engine)

[aeromech]

I think your right on the noise suppressor.
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Licensed Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic
Licensed Pilot (Single engine Land)
Boeing 727,737-200-300-400,757,767
Airbus A319,320,321
DC9/MD80
BAe146
Fokker F28/F100
VW type 1 1962,63,65,69,72
VW Type 2 1971 (2 ea.) 1978
VW Jetta
VW Passat
Capable of leaping tall buildings in a single bound

[Chris_914]