Rover V8 earth straps.

[427scr]

Is there a good rule of thumb regarding engine earth straps?

I have had my Cobra for 15 years and it runs pretty well (except the pinking, see other thread). no problems with charging or flat batteries etc.

I only have one earth strp from the chassis to the timing cover on the left side of the engine. The same chassis earthing point also connects the battery, which sits over the rack.

After browsing on the net, many people reccommend at least three straps, starter, block and alternatror. Would this help at all with general running?

Any thoughts?

Mark.

[427scr]

Originally Posted by 427scr

Is there a good rule of thumb regarding engine earth straps?

I have had my Cobra for 15 years and it runs pretty well (except the pinking, see other thread). no problems with charging or flat batteries etc.

I only have one earth strp from the chassis to the timing cover on the left side of the engine. The same chassis earthing point also connects the battery, which sits over the rack.

After browsing on the net, many people reccommend at least three straps, starter, block and alternatror. Would this help at all with general running?

Any thoughts?

Mark.

Diddn't get any answers to this question, so I am trying again.

Maybe the people in the know didn't see it and it went off page 1.

Any thoughts??

[TonyD]

I'd think three straps are a bit of an overkill, but an additional one from say the engine mounting bolts in the block to a tapped thread in the chassis frame itself wouldn't do any harm.

I've seen a few braided earth straps corrode and fail in the past, especially when subjected to vibration and engine movement so I'd go with an aftermarket plastic coated copper wire earth strap with soldered connectors at the end.

Cheers,

Tony

[wilf]

Mark - the general rule is "if it ain't broke............."

To be doubly sure, get a high quality voltmeter, set it on a range to show 0.5 volts or so, and check what voltage appears between the engine block and a convenient part of the chassis when the alternator is charging hard (e.g. just after startup). You should see about 150millivolts ish.

Anything in the range of about 0.5 Volt drop means the earth lead has too high a resistance, and could do with being replaced with one of larger section, and the connections checking thoroughly for cleanliness.

Even if you had three or more earth straps, I don't think it would improve the performance of your car one iota. In fact the actual extra weight of them might slow you down!

[427scr]

The earth lead is already an aftermarket one and is in good nick.

I'm with you on the weight thing, I make every attempt to slim components down wherever possible and the thought of adding two massivly heavy earth staps horrifies me.............

So, if it ain't broke etc etc.