what the heck is this special ground behind the head below the valve covers?

texas_snake

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So I have seen this special ground on the back of each head just below the valve cover. I say this because it has a connector that goes into a special bracket (with what I think is black plastic or rubber) and then that bolts into the back of each head. Hard to get to. The wire on one of mine is damaged and I want to replace it. Anyone know what that is called or how I can find them?

Or can you just ground things directly to the block with a new wire? Not sure if that special bracket is critical.

Thanks
 

Toolsplusmore

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They are radio interference suppressors . They have voltage running through them and cannot be grounded or they will blow a fuse. They can be purchased from ford or used the part number is f7lf-18801-ad. They prevent ignition noise from coming on the radio as an audible whine.
 

01yellercobra

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FWIW I forgot to plug those in one time on my 01 Cobra after an engine install. Drove it like that for a few months with no issues.
 

03' White Snake

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I blew a few fuses after a engine install and it was the connection shorting out onto the head. So they are live and need to be isolated. Don't matter if they are actually plugged in or not.
 

texas_snake

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Thanks for that extra info. I will wrap this carefully. The wire had lost some of the insulation. Not sure if it was touching the block. Will make sure things are now clean.
 

03' White Snake

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If they are braided, what Toolsplusmore said it absolutely correct. They are for RFI(radio interference). There should be no voltage on them. They are as you said, grounded.

Sent from my 2PS64 using the svtperformance.com mobile app

Sorry to beat a dead horse.... If you are talking about these grey clips on the back of the heads, you are wrong. The connections that plug into them are live with key on.

20180705_111504_zpssw4apauc.jpg


20180705_100620_zps8kp7zjx6.jpg
 

Terminator Dave

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Sorry. I can't see the clips on the picture, at least on my cell. If we're talking about lines that are hot, they aren't for RFI, so my apology. RFI suppression lines would be braided, not just a regular stranded wire. I'll correct my post on the others (fuse blowing) posting.
 

texas_snake

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Let me help clarify the question as the first reply was about the part I was asking for. It looks to be a radio interference suppressor as stated. Here is an example of what it mostly looks like:

Capacitor Assembly - Radio Suppress - Ford (7L1Z-18801-A) | OEM Part Source

So is that wire hot? Mine had lost the insulation in some areas and may have been touching (perhaps when driving) the head. I have it fixed up now though. Thanks.
 

Terminator Dave

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I looked at mine, and you probably are right. The picture you linked to says capacitor. I was thinking of the braided line that looks like the one attached to the ground on the hood blanket. Completely different. My apologies.
 

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