tbellm
Newbie
Posts: 2
Reg: 08-31-20
|
08-31-20 09:00 AM - Post#2802407
I have a 1970 Chevelle with the 396/402 engine. The positive battery cable goes to the starter and the negative cable is mounted on the alternator bracket. Each cable clamp (both positive and negative) has about a 12 ga or 14 ga wire coming off of them. What are these small wires for and where do I mount them? I'm assuming 1 is a ground, but I'm not an electrician and cannot read the various wiring diagrams I've found online. Both wires are pretty short; about 10 inches or so. Thanks.
|
|
bobb
Super Senior Member
Posts: 6919
Loc: paradise
Reg: 09-05-03
|
09-02-20 10:50 PM - Post#2802612
In response to tbellm
welcome to ct. ground should go directly to the engine block, sanded clean to bare metal, or starter motor. big cables are best. 2 gauge should do well. cant have too many grounds, the more the merrier. the short wires are probly for universal use. i like my alternator wired directly to the battery with a 10 gauge wire. fuse link in there would probly be a good thing too.
70 L camino, grampa engine, g-force 5 spd, road rage suspension. Pray first before all else fails. |
|
docjns1
"5th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 447

Loc: upstate NY
Reg: 11-12-19
|
09-03-20 06:19 PM - Post#2802681
In response to bobb
Found 2 diagrams on google, both show same configuration. Negative side will ground to either rad support or fender/inr fender and will help ground the body vs. heavier cable to alt brkt/engine. Positive should connect to an insulated (non- grounded! ) block of some sort adjacent to the battery. Look for a small plastic looking block probably with a stud and nut on it for that. From there 2 wires, red 12 ga. splits to alternator/voltage reg/horn relay and a fused 18 ga. black wire to the firewall bulkhead connector.
Steve
*********
'65 Impala SS, Crocus Yellow/blk
327 / 300 L74
M11 3 on the tree
12 bolt 3.31 open dif |
|
tbellm
Newbie
Posts: 2
Reg: 08-31-20
|
09-06-20 03:30 AM - Post#2802858
In response to docjns1
Clear, concise description of what I should see and what goes where. Even I could follow it. Thanks very much!
|
wagonman100
Site Ambassador
Posts: 15802
Loc: Baltimore, MD
Reg: 11-27-04
|
10-01-20 06:11 PM - Post#2804630
In response to tbellm
I usually prefer the ground to go directly to the block, but the alternator bracket was used by the factory. I also run a ground strap from the engine to the frame and from the engine to the body at the firewall. I also use star washers under them to bite into the metal. The short leads off of the terminals on the cables don’t need to be used, but you can run a wire to the body from the ground and the positive can be used as direct power for an accessory if you run an inline fuse.
Jay
Friends don’t let friends drive Fords.
1999 Silverado Z71 4X4 extra-cab short bed
1983 Malibu Fauxmad - tubbed
1978 El Camino Kustomized
1972 Monte Carlo
1957 210 handyman wagon
1957 Nomad sport wagon
1957 Cameo Carrier |
|
docjns1
"5th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 447

Loc: upstate NY
Reg: 11-12-19
|
10-02-20 12:47 PM - Post#2804673
In response to wagonman100
I agree w/Jay re: grounding to the block, earlier models didn't have those larger alt brackets that wrapped over them. My '65 attaches to the waterpump stud seen on the left lower of this pic, upr w/pump bolt between the htr hoses
Steve
*********
'65 Impala SS, Crocus Yellow/blk
327 / 300 L74
M11 3 on the tree
12 bolt 3.31 open dif |
|
|