Where does battery negative lead attach??

[Arbman Al]

Hi All,

On the battery negative lead there is one ring connection which I think connects to a bolt on the bodywork below the power steering pump (correct me if I am wrong!) and there is another ring at the end of the cable - where does this one attach to??

Thanks for your help

Al.

[Ian Durrant]

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If I remember correctly the original Earth lead on mine had two rings, the heavier cable went to the stud you mention down by the steering pump and the other to the bolt that holds the pump to its bracket, thus ensuring the engine block is earthed. Unfortunately when my engine was refitted a new Negative lead was used that is not standard so I am not sure how my block is earthed, hopefully not through only the choke cable! :-)

[stustag]

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Hi Al

My battery earth lead goes to the bracket that holds the metal pipe between the lower radiator pipe and the upper pipe into the water pump housing.

Stuart

[NickA]

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Mine has first ring onto the stud onthe inner wing and the second one onto the bottom right exhaust manifold bolt.

Wonder what the factory fittment was?

[marshman]

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Hi Al,

The first "ring" bolts to the inner wing as shown - this is the same on both MK1 cars I have. The second I have bolted to the top alternator bracket (see pic). The reason being that I think the alternator needs a decent earth most (starter only needs it for starting.) Also ROM 12.37.01 sheet 2 (10) say disconnect battery earth lead from alternator mounting bracket. So I think what I have done is correct - to the R.O.M at least.

Roger

[TimShoubridge]

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Al,

You're welcome to come and look at mine tomorrow.

[Guest]

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Hi Al, the tab on the end goes under the bolt holding the steel water pipe to the front of the engine, and the one in the middle under the bolt head on the inner wing, it doubles as chassis and engine earth, however, unless your a stickler for originality it doesn't matter, any convenient engine boltand body bolt. Clean, shiny and covered in lashings of lovely grease ! Martin.

[STAG1973]

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I have the end tab on the power steering pump bracket and the middle tab on the bolt on the inside wing, but like Martin said anywhere on the engine blockwill be ok...

Adrian

[Arbman Al]

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Hi Guys,

Thanks for your replies.

I have opted for the alternator mounting bolt for the end one, and the middle one on the bolt on the side of the engine bay.

BUT

when I connected the-ve to the battery all was fine, but when I connected the +ve to the battery it tried to melt the terminal

Anyone got any pointers as to what I have done wrong? I know it is a bit of a stab in the dark, but you never know.

The DPO had wired up some kind of alarm/immobiliser with a key operated on/off in the boot and a switch under the dash - not sure how it is all supposed to work, but think I have disconnected most of it.

Rgds....Al.

[Andrew S]

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Hi Al

My stag has the negativeconnected to the back of the alternator mounting bolt as well, but is there a chance when you fitted yours that the wire is touching any of the wires coming out of the output alternator plug and earthing?

Andrew

[sjm]

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Hi Al,

Have you connected the starter motor wiring? If not was this earthing!

Regards

Steve

[Arbman Al]

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Andrew S wrote:

Hi Al

My stag has the negativeconnected to the back of the alternator mounting bolt as well, but is there a chance when you fitted yours that the wire is touching any of the wires coming out of the output alternator plug and earthing?

Andrew

HI Andrew,

Just been out to check and no wires are touching.

Rgds....Al.

[marshman]

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Al,

Sounds like a direct short circuit. Most things have a fuse protecting them so any significant current, and I think melting battery leads are in that catagory!, would blow the fuse.

Do you remember the thread about two weeks ago about what goes where under the bonnet. There was the positive terminal on the bulkhead just behind the RH exhaust manifold. Vmad (I think) said to make sure it was covered as it was easy to short things out on it.Did you completely remove that terminal for spraying, if so did you refit it correctly?

Check that the positive feed to the starter solonoid is not earthing out at either end.

Pull the plug from the alternator as this has a direct feed from the battery then see if the short is still there.

One way to check without risking damage is to connect the positive battery lead via a light bulb. If there is a short to earth the bulb will light but no big sparks and melted leads. Don't use a ammeter because if it is really shorting out there could be a few hundred amps flowing.:shock:and it won't like that much.

One last thought, what about the square block on the bottom of the inner wing - the one not fitted to a MK1? is that fitted correctly?

Good Luck

Roger

[Arbman Al]

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sjm wrote:

Hi Al,

Have you connected the starter motor wiring? If not was this earthing!

Regards

Steve

Hi Steve,

Yes, the starter motor wiring is connected. I can connect the +ve to the battery on its own and no problems, but with both +ve and -ve connected it is like arc welding on the +ve terminal!

It is my pet hate, electrics, I must have connected something up wrong as it did not do this before I took it all apart

Rgds....Al.

[marshman]

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Al,

Diagram of what I was saying about "safely" reconnecting. Once you can connect without the light comming on really brightly then you should be OK. It may still come on dimly if you have something switched on in the car.

Roger