Proper Grounding for starter circuit

[ntsqd]

In general try to avoid crossing any gaskets or mating surfaces with the grounds. So one ground at each end of the block is preferable to one on the block and one on a head, even if they're mere inches apart.

Better practice is the same bolt for all grounds. Better yet practice is that this bolt be on whatever the starter bolts to. Best practice is that the bolt be one of the starter bolts, though I rarely go to that trouble.

 

[Bundy]

okay so if I do both the frame and battery ground off the same starter bolt and have a grounding strap from the frame to the body (inner fender) this should eliminate any potential ground issues?

 

[ntsqd]

Better would be if the body ground came off the battery terminal or the starter bolt and not the frame.

 

[Steve83]

Where else could I attach a ground on the starter aside from one of the mounting bolts?

Why do you need an "else"? What's wrong with using a starter mounting bolt? The next-best solution would be a dedicated block stud.

...I'm confused when you say "to the starter".

I don't understand why you would be. It's exactly what you've been describing.

I've got the voltage reading with one multimeter...from the battery post directly, all at different times. They all reflected a massive drop in voltage during cranking, like all the way down to 2-3V.

If the voltage at the battery POST (not the CLAMP around the post) dropped to 3V during cranking, the battery is garbage.

...a grounding strap from the frame to the body (inner fender) this should eliminate any potential ground issues?

The object of "grounding" is to make all the metal parts electrically identical to the battery (-) post. That happens when they're each directly wired to it (or reasonably-close to direct). Since the battery (-) is just inches from the body sheet metal, the best body ground goes directly from the (-) post to the inner fender or core support.

 

[Bundy]

Why do you need an "else"? What's wrong with using a starter mounting bolt? The next-best solution would be a dedicated block stud.

That was my question as well- I wasn't clear if you were eluding to somewhere other than the starter mounting bolt.

Thanks for the input.