Updating the grounds RESOLVED

[4uall]

While I have Fiona up on blocks I thought I would take the opportunity to update the grounds.

[baltobernie]

Good job! Now spray it with some battery terminal protector.

[divace73]

also use conductive grease (not dialeteric) everywhere between the electrical contacts.

[spider2081]

Great post! Great job. Those crimpers look like the real deal, not some $5 cheapo from the local Walmart. With a crimper like that the connection should be better than a solder connection.
The one thing I like to do that you did not is slip the heat shrink to the end of the spade. I think it looks neater. For sure (in a different application) if the spade connector is ever going to have voltage on it is best to cover as much as possible.

[njoconnor]

Nice. Add this to the "little things to do list" for later this summer.....like when I'm installing the new H4 headlights....

Neil

[4uall]

I did apply this however, did not post a pic



Permatex Copper Anti-Seize

For easy assembly and disassembly of metal parts

Prevents galling during assembly

Contains a high percentage of micro-fine copper flakes in a semi-synthetic grease carrier to prevent seizing

Electronically conductive, can be used on ground bolts and sensors

Inhibits rusting, cold welding and galvanic corrosion between assembled parts

Effective at high temperatures up to 982°C (1800° F)

Ideal applications include: spark plug threads in aluminum blocks, exhaust manifold bolts, engine bolts, oxygen sensor, knock sensor, thermostat housing bolts, fuel filter fitting and battery cable connections

227g brush-top can

[DieselSpider]

I had read that it was better to use the non-copper version on aluminum heads to prevent a reaction between the copper and aluminum or is the critical issue only in the mixing of brass and aluminum and the warning about copper a misstatement on the part of the author warning about using copper on aluminum?

[timspider]

good stuff- question: do I have a gang of grounds like that on my 78 as stock? I haven't seen it in my tinkering. I'm about to tackle an ignition wiring problem and this sounds like it would be a good thing to add to that process.
thanks for always posting great stuff

[4uall]

not exactly sure (visually).

this might help

http://www.mirafiori.com/faq/content/el ... estore.htm at bottom of page 3rd link in blue

[DieselSpider]

good stuff- question: do I have a gang of grounds like that on my 78 as stock? I haven't seen it in my tinkering. I'm about to tackle an ignition wiring problem and this sounds like it would be a good thing to add to that process.
thanks for always posting great stuff

Got them on my 78

[TimpanogosSlim]

also use conductive grease (not dialeteric) everywhere between the electrical contacts.

Why not dielectric?

The grease is there to protect the metal from the elements. The electrical connection remains where you have direct metal to metal contact.

"conductive" grease (like copper anti-seize) is just dielectric grease with metal flakes in it.

[divace73]

also use conductive grease (not dialeteric) everywhere between the electrical contacts.

Why not dielectric?

The grease is there to protect the metal from the elements. The electrical connection remains where you have direct metal to metal contact.

"conductive" grease (like copper anti-seize) is just dielectric grease with metal flakes in it.

Dielectric grease is non conductive, as an example it would be used from spark plug shaft to rubber boot to prevent sticking and protection, it shouldn't be used on conductive surfaces.

As you say the metal flakes make it conductive.

[DieselSpider]

also use conductive grease (not dialeteric) everywhere between the electrical contacts.

Why not dielectric?

The grease is there to protect the metal from the elements. The electrical connection remains where you have direct metal to metal contact.

"conductive" grease (like copper anti-seize) is just dielectric grease with metal flakes in it.

Dielectric grease is non conductive, as an example it would be used from spark plug shaft to rubber boot to prevent sticking and protection, it shouldn't be used on conductive surfaces.

As you say the metal flakes make it conductive.

Dielectric grease is non-conductive so that it can be used inside multi-contact electrical connections without causing current bleed/short circuits between the contacts. That is why it is packed by the manufacturer inside light bulb sockets, computer connections, firewall pass through gang connections and such. In a spark plug boot it won't short out the ignition if it weeps down the side of the plug to the head or wicks up to the jacket of the lead. Non-conductive grease is also used for the bearings and connections in electric motors to prevent the fields and commutators from getting shorted out however many motors with grease fittings end up unfortunately topped off with a conductive grease during servicing to die an early death.

While you can use metal flake grease on a ground connection that is adequately separated from any positive leads you should not use metal flake on a stand alone positive connection since it could weep and bleed current to ground.

[timspider]

I don't have the consolidated grounds on my early 78, so I'll hunt them down individually.
that back and forth about dielectric grease was pretty informative- thanks

[DieselSpider]

I don't have the consolidated grounds on my early 78, so I'll hunt them down individually.
that back and forth about dielectric grease was pretty informative- thanks

My 78 has one ground star on the right front fender close to the front and another ground star inside the dash above the ignition switch so possibly I have a later 78.