Earth lead fixing problem on a ’72 Mk1

[Tony Triumph]

Having now had the cylinder heads overhauled, after a blown gasket, I’m now rebuilding the engine, which is a first time for me.
Regretfully, my note taking during dismantling was inadequate and I’m unsure where the battery earth lead was originally attached. I have asked around a couple of the other members and they have told me their ones are fixed to the lower steering pump bracket bolt (seen as a yellow in the picture). I have not been keen to fix mine here as this is to a bolt in elongated slots for belt adjustment.
I accept this would probably work ok, but I don’t think this is not actually the correct location point.
I have temporarily fixed mine to the alternator bolt(red), but am not happy about it. So, I have queried this with a well respected Stag dealer who has told me the correct mount is ‘to the top timing case bolt just above, adjacent to the alternator mounting lug’ My interpretation of this is that it is shown in the picture as the lower of the two uncoloured UNF bolts numbered No 3 which are 3½ inch(8.9cm) long. I tried to fix mine there, but found the small bit of thread at the very end in the block is stripped and won’t tighten up. Is this a common problem, hence the fixing to the steering pump bracket? Also, what options are there, as I think to Helicoil at this late stage is not viable? Thks Tony T.
RH vee.jpg

[nib]

Having now had the cylinder heads overhauled, after a blown gasket, I’m now rebuilding the engine, which is a first time for me.
Regretfully, my note taking during dismantling was inadequate and I’m unsure where the battery earth lead was originally attached. I have asked around a couple of the other members and they have told me their ones are fixed to the lower steering pump bracket bolt (seen as a yellow in the picture). I have not been keen to fix mine here as this is to a bolt in elongated slots for belt adjustment.
I accept this would probably work ok, but I don’t think this is not actually the correct location point.
I have temporarily fixed mine to the alternator bolt(red), but am not happy about it. So, I have queried this with a well respected Stag dealer who has told me the correct mount is ‘to the top timing case bolt just above, adjacent to the alternator mounting lug’ My interpretation of this is that it is shown in the picture as the lower of the two uncoloured UNF bolts numbered No 3 which are 3½ inch(8.9cm) long. I tried to fix mine there, but found the small bit of thread at the very end in the block is stripped and won’t tighten up. Is this a common problem, hence the fixing to the steering pump bracket? Also, what options are there, as I think to Helicoil at this late stage is not viable? Thks Tony T.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]35794[/ATTACH]

Hi Tony
Mine which is a similar vintage to your car is fixed to the bracket that holds the steel water pipe in position, it is a long bolt and the thread only starts at the end, so sometimes a push on the bolt with finger is needed to tighten up.
Mark

[mallardstag]

This is how mine is connected. Two straps one to PS pump bracket and a second to exhaust manifold (via bodywork).

P1020936.JPG

[38rover]

Mine has a stud low down welded to the inner wing which takes the battery lead

[mallardstag]

Mine has a stud low down welded to the inner wing which takes the battery lead

You should also have a strap to the engine, if you don't the starter current will be transferred via the throttle/choke/kickdown cables and can do serious damage.

[Andrew S]

Mine is out of sight and goes on the back of the alternator bolt

[NickA]

I thought OEM fitting was battery to stud on the inner wing then onto the lower front exhaust manifold bolt or is that just for Mk2's?

[LAMBRETTLAD]

[QUOTE=NickA;337003]I thought OEM fitting was battery to stud on the inner wing then onto the lower front exhaust manifold bolt or is that just for Mk2's?[/QUOTE
And you also need the other from the engine to the alternator /bottom power steering area if not ,at least my car wouldn't start
,

[Tony Triumph]

Thanks to all who have responded. I’m still very keen to go for originality on this earth connection.
By the way, my query was really only relating to the earth strap after it leaves the inner wing stud. To Mark I will say that I think your location is correct, to the same bolt that takes the bottom hose clip. I have tapped that bolt head with a small hammer whilst still driving it in and it just continues to turn whilst being at the full length of its travel. I wonder how many other Stags have this problem, which only comes to attention on reassembly … which is by then to late to rectify. As to connecting it to the exhaust manifold - never would have thought of that, but I’m dubious as to whether it was ever OEM. Anyway, Thks.

[Kinga]

Did you ever find out what this issue was with the bolt numbered '3' i had the exact same issue with my 72 Mark 1 and the bolt is also threaded..i have moved my earth strap onto the power steering pump bracket for now as i dont want to have to mess around with the alternator bolts again!!!!
Did you get any feedback what this bolt is for and is there an issue if it is threaded and not fitted??
Thanks

[DJT]

#3 is one of the bolts holding the front timing chain cover in place. The full set of these bolts is made up of several lengths. Could be someone has put one there that is too short. Take it out, measure the hole depth and compare with the bolt length.

Where you have your earth strap is fine. Almost anywhere will do as long as it is a clean connection to the engine.