The connection between the battery negative (or positive in the positive
ground system) is very critical if you expect the starter to work. This is
the worst case condition for the connection to the engine. If it is suitable
for the starter it is more than adequate for the charging current from the
alternator and the ignition system.
The connection between the battery negative and the body is also critical as
that is the return path for everything else. The lights, wipers, heater,
radio all ground to the body.
There are no electrical loads that attach to the frame so the lack of a good
ground will not cause anything not to work. There is a potential to buld up a
static charge between the frame and body but there is a number of metal
connections beetween the two which may create the desired electrrical tie.
Things like brake lines, parking brake cable, body mounting bolts. But all
these are mounted for physical reasons and any electrical connections are
incidental. A braided cable between the body and frame, however, may border
on the anal-retentive.
Dave
-----Original Message-----
From: Robert Jones <rjones at wfeca.net>
How good is a ground from the battery to the engine? Does the ground need to
extend to the frame?
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