Additional Ground Strap Location

P

PeterinNH

Senior Member
I have a cable which would lend itself well to being an additional engine ground
strap. I've seen a post indicating it's a good idea to use something like that to
ground the starter motor to the frame. The only fastener on the starter I can
see to be used to do that would be one of the long bolts that holds the starter
in place on the flywheel housing. Is there any other area that would lend itself
well to provide an additional ground?
 
IMO, the most important ground is from battery to the engine, usually at the bell housing, or lower front of a flathead block. I would not use one of the stater bolts because of it's small size and low torque capacity.
Grounds from the engine to the frame and body can then originate from the main engine ground, but can be smaller diameter because of much lower current loads. Using this method keeps the grounds as close as possible to actual battery ground potential.
 
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Second Opinion: On a stock '47 with 6 volt positive grounding system, the batt positive cable goes to engine block and then separate cable on back of engine manifold on passenger side to adjacent firewall. Mine came with 12 volt negative grounding system. However and as may be contrary to above ford cousin V8 Bob worthy opinion. I followed recommendation of "Old-Timer's" to maximize starting power by running batt ground directly to one of the two bolts on the starter motor instead of the engine block. On my '47 the bolt and their bolt heads are of adequate size to accept the attachment of the thinner 12 volt cable. I've never had a problem with that arrangement.
 
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As V8 Bob said above, the most important one goes from battery to engine. Mine (12 volt - ground) goes to the cylinder head. I also have a "braided" ground strap from Tractor Supply going from frame rail to cylinder head. Been that way for 12 yrs. w/no problems. I have also seen smaller braided straps going from engine to firewall. My '37 coupe was like that. F F
 
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