Grounding straps on engine and oil removal stuff

series1gtv · #1 (**permalink**) 01-21-2006, 09:56 AM

Hey BBers,
Things are really coming along on my 69gtv replacing old bushings makes a huge difference.The car had a pretty serious oil leak before I got it and even with alot of cleaning there is still old oil stuck to everything under the car. With time and lots of oil baths the motor mounts were looking very grim. I replaced them last week and plan to do the transmission this weekend.

When putting in the new motor mounts I removed the ground strap. I don't remember how it was hooked up, could someone tell me what I need to attach it to at both ends? Also is there more than one strap and where could I get a new one? Mine is totally soaked through with years of oil and grit. Is this something I could find at true value or Auto trash? Also does anyone know of a good safe product that I could use to clean the oil off? Mainly I want something that I can use without having to worry about it attacking my paint.

60sRacer · #2 (**permalink**) 01-21-2006, 10:37 AM

The ground strap on your '69 should be a flat braided copper, with the ends soldered and holes drilled in the soldered part (the solder stiffens it). One end bolts to the engine or one of the bell housing bolts near the starter, the other to a nut plate in the bell house tunnel, on the left side.

You can clean it by soaking in carb cleaner, gas, or most any solvent - its all metal.

R

**101/105guy** · #3 (**permalink**) 01-21-2006, 11:04 AM

I use Castrol Super clean on the oily stuff. Not a solvent and doesn't harm the paint.

Alfajay · #4 (**permalink**) 01-21-2006, 05:01 PM

I usually attach one end fo mine to the lower starter mounting bolt - on the backside of the bellhousing. I figure that's where the electrons get sucked in, so I might as well attach the strap right there. Hate to make the little guys travel further than they need to.

The other end goes to a threaded tab on the body that is there just for this purpose. It has a captive, 8mm bolt to accept the strap.

Yea, I'd just clean the old one - you will have a hard time finding a replacement that's the correct length. And, I hate to say it, but if you drive your car, it will get oily again.

**alfaparticle** · #5 (**permalink**) 01-21-2006, 09:00 PM

Oil in the braid is not a problem. Just make sure that you have clean surfaces where the strap attaches to the engine and the body. You could coat the connections with the conducting grease that is intended for battery terminals and is sold at all auto parts stores.
Ed Prytherch, Columbia SC
3 Alfas

**101/105guy** · #6 (**permalink**) 01-21-2006, 09:39 PM

Ditto on the clean connections and battery terminal coating!! Also, there should be a law against those replacement battery terminals that just clamp onto the existing cable. I have seen so many problems go away when new cables are installed!

**Wil Painter** · #7 (**permalink**) 01-23-2006, 11:06 AM

Photo attached, look in red rectangle, attached as suggested above to the lower starter mounting bolt. Cleaning it up should be fine, but if new is required, I've found replacements in the battery section of Auto Zone, of all places. Echo the above comments, make sure the attachment points are clean and there is bare metal contact at the chassis mounting.
Wil Painter