This post also appears at the end of another thread I started. But I believe that this is an important issue and deserves it's own thread.

VERY IMPORTANT

The strut bolts are not a reliable ground (my problem and the common problem discussed on this post about jumpstarting). This means that the body itself is not a good ground. This can cause many, many, many problems. My friend, a mechanic, even asked me if I had any problems with the radio (reception, etc). He had a solution-a ground strap (under 5 bucks) from the engine to one of the bolts. I attached it to the passanger side bolt that holds the bracket for installing the engine.

[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

 

I like that a lot.

 

i have dumb question why didn't you just run the ground wire from the gm jumpstart bolt to the ground trap instead of the other side was there nowhere to connect it on that side

 

2 reasons. The ground strap was not as easy to get to as the bracket bolt. And I wanted to keep everything tucked away and as out of sight as possible.

I forgot to say that to simplify things, I just added a second nut and washer to the strut stud, so I did not have to remove the original nut.

 

Did you buy a pre-fabbed strap, and where did you obtain it?

 

I bought it at a chain-Strauss. It is sold as a connection for a starter switch. But, simply, it is 19 inches of black 4 gauge wire with a terminal at each end.

 

Another great idea. Thanks Lee!

 

Bump-to make sure everybody is aware of this problem.

I would really be interested in taking a poll on an experiment. Hook up a test light with the ground on the stud marked 'Ground' and the positive on the open post when you take the fuse box cover off. See if the light goes on. I wonder if my problem is common or not.

 

I just measured the resistance from the factory indicated ground to the engine block, and from where Lee connected his strap to the engine block. The measure of resistance is what would cause a voltage drop to occur, which is what would cause problems.

In both cases, I measured 0.8 ohms. Although what Lee did does absolutely no harm, according to these measurements, it isn't needed, at least on my vehicle.

 

MikeX-thanks for the test. Sometimes my ground worked-other times it didnt. I figure it must be the way the car settled on the springs (I think there is a rubber stop on the top which may prevent good contact).