Engine ground

[mango]

It was recommended to me to look for a ground between the engine and the frame. I can't find one on my '73. Where would it likely be located, and if there isn't one, where should I put it? Also, should I make sure there is good ground from the body to the frame?
Thanks.

 

[70_Steve]

A good grounding scheme will have the negative battery cable bolted to the engine block. The biggest current drain on the Bronco, outside of a winch, is the starter. This provides a direct path back to the battery when starting the engine. This also makes the engine a central grounding point. You can provide ground straps from the engine to the body, and from the engine to the frame to take care of all other grounding requirements. I installed a grounding strap from the rear of the intake manifold to the firewall to provide a body ground. I also installed a strap from the block, where I bolted the negative battery cable, to the frame. I managed to find a hole in the top of the passengers side frame which was already tapped.

 

[cgbexec]

I asked this question a while back and everyone said the same thing, ground the frame and body. I bought stainless braided grounding straps from Summit Racing. A heavy gauge battery cable would work also.

 

[Broncobowsher]

As Steve mentioned, the big power sucker is the starter, attached to the engine. That is also the source of alternator power going back into the battery. Body has minimal eletrical draw for lights and such. The frame has... Well, nothing eletrical attached to it. I guess that is why they never grounded it from the factory. Now if you add a winch that may be a different story.

 

[70_Steve]

The frame has... Well, nothing eletrical attached to it. I guess that is why they never grounded it from the factory.

Hmm... My 70 has the fuel level sending unit grounded to the frame. That is about the only thing factory (asuming that was factory) that I know of that grounds to the frame. I have installed an electric fuel pump, and grounded it to the frame.

 

[cgbexec]

My 1976 had a groud running from the frame to the engine block. I sure looked factory, but then it may have been added a long time ago when the winch was added. I am going to ground it anyway for trailer wiring, and fuel tank sending unit.