Improving your ground

[astrozam]

Originally posted by ZR9 an ( A.S community member )
I finally solved a lot of electrical problems in my van.

I ran an additional battery cable from my alternator bracket directly to the negative post on my battery.-I have dual posts on my new battery.

Now, my lights are brighter.
Now, my horn works
Now, my gas gauge works all the time

Obviously, the factory ground from the negative terminal on the battery-then to the rad support-then to the block is not enough.

Reply by SoCalli V8
I highly recommend always re-making ground cables out of 2 or 4 guage welding cable with soldered connections on each end.

Always grind off all the paint to shiny metal on every ground point, and clean the terminals on the battery.

I make new thicker positive cables as well, always with soldered battery clamps.

Reply by SafariRob
I added a 10 gauge wire from a thru-bolt on the alternator case to the radiator post main ground stud some years back and got the charging system working again. It even solved a long standing and maddening problem of flicker on the digital gauges--that was an unexpected plus, to be sure. I also cleaned the ground cable connection to the block, but decided to leave on the alternator ground; it makes sense to me to have a direct ground connection to the alternator.

Reply by tbhager94
made up some new ground wires today at work there 2ga and 4 ft long , going to run a short cable from batt to the ground term at rad supp then gonna run one from batt to alt
(at the alt I’m gonna put the ground on the nut on the through bolt behind the alt )
and one from engine block to chassis.

Reply by Water Boy
Did you solder the ends also, then fit the heat-shrink tube over the top?
What size iron did you use?
I don't think my 25 watt'r will work.

Reply by tbhager94
solder yes , heat shrink no just elec tape.

Reply by So Calli V8
For that guage, you should use a small blow torch..... works great.

[Rebel]

I also ran an additional ground but to the rad. support. Should I change that to alt. case ?

[astrozam]

I also ran an additional ground but to the rad. support. Should I change that to alt. case ?

Larry, check out this article on beefing up the BIG 3 as they like to call it, it will answer all your questions.

http://www.the12volt.com/installbay/for ... 6&KW=big+3


Maybe SOMEONE we know, would find this a good article as well, do you know who that SOMEONE could be

[Rebel]

Thanks Keith,,sounds like I need to move my ground to alt. case.
Appreciate the info.

[SoCalli V8]

ALWAYS, replace the whimpy ground straps with 4or 2 guage "welding cable" And always make sure that you SOLDER >> EVERY TERMINAL for MAXIMUM Effciency.......

[Cobra]

so i just put in another alternator i don't want to damage the housing since it will void the warranty is welding cable superior to normal battery cable?
I'm going to run new leads for the charging system plus the extra from alt to battery and alt to chassis ground

[astrozam]

so i just put in another alternator i don't want to damage the housing since it will void the warranty is welding cable superior to normal battery cable?
I'm going to run new leads for the charging system plus the extra from alt to battery and alt to chassis ground

Here you go Pierre have a look at this site, good info and pics... http://www.bsfab.net/?p=89

[Cobra]

the answer to my question was in the third paragraph
"Welding cable is made up of fine copper strands; much finer than battery cable. This dramatically increases cable flexibility as well as current carrying capacity. The jacket is also extra resistant to heat, abrasives, oil, grease, and solvents."

[astrozam]

the answer to my question was in the third paragraph
"Welding cable is made up of fine copper strands; much finer than battery cable. This dramatically increases cable flexibility as well as current carrying capacity. The jacket is also extra resistant to heat, abrasives, oil, grease, and solvents."

Ask and yee shall recieve ( sometimes... )

I've added that link to our links forum, good info there.

[stomp13]

I just made fresh grounds out of 4ga, soldered ends. I just did alternator bracket to battery negative, battery negative to the gound post by the rad. It made a real differance! Windows go up much faster

Whats the third one in the "big three" on Astros?

[astrozam]

1) alternator positive to battery positive, 2) battery negative to chassis, and 3) engine ground to chassis.

[stomp13]

engine ground to chassis.

Thank you! Any particular spot?

[Astro-SS-V8]

Thanks Astrozam, I have been having a problem with the 95. Slow cranking or not cranking at all. I switched batteries,had the alternator checked,changed the ignition switch under the dash,and was ready to put on a new starter. I read what you posted and went out and took my ground cable loose and found that it was corroded and the bolt was rusted. I cleaned it up and lo and behold,it cranked right over as if everything was brand new.

Thanks for your post!

[astrozam]

Glad to hear it solved you're problems

[Smiliesafari]

Thanks for posting this review, Zam. There's a lot of new guys here that this info may help.