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Purchased a new alternator and it needs an external ground.

by Rick
(Ft. Wayne, In. USA)

I am at my wits end trying ground the #8 ga. wire to the bracket, block etc. Where is the proper location to ground at?

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May 31, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Rick
by: Rick

This is probably my problem because that area where I grounded was not clear of paint didn't, think about that thank you. The block is free of paint, the area that I was using anyway, thought that would've worked.
May 29, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		External Ground Wire?
by: Chris

Rick,

Thanks for your submission. I don't want to oversimplify but did the old alternator use a ground wire? If it did not ignore the wire. I have a few questions to make sure I'm up to speed on your problem. First why are you changing the alternator? My second question is have you checked all your battery cables and connections? Do you have any battery disconnect switches installed?

My basic advise to you in order of importance regardless of previous questions are as follows:

Check your connections all the way to the battery. For instance your path to ground on the battery from the alternator should have clean rust free connections with corrosion free and like new cable connections where the frame meets the Engine cable connection and the Battery to the frame. Very important! Check any sort of battery disconnect switch also. I had a submission last month and this was the case being a bad battery switch. The amperage load across these battery connectors can cause issues with the alternator along with other electrical issues. A circuit may appear to be working but when a heavy load like a starter is engaged the connections with bad contact will not have enough surface area to carry the amperage. These connections may get hot with high load. Remove all the connections from the alternator to the battery inspect, clean or replace. Make sure the frame is clean shiny metal! It will take some work but this is my best advice moving forward. Please respond and let me know that you received this email and later any results you may have.

I will be available to help until you resolve this issue. Good luck and let me know!

Regards,

Chris Trautman

Corvette Master Brainiac
Corvette-web-central.com

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