Earthing

[boxcorsair]

Firstly huge thanks; alternator and lights sorted due to CT  :)

Anyway, just want to confirm earthing as I have seen some posts recently. Currently the battery negative is running to the bolt on the side of the battery box. The starter motor runs back to starter solenoid only. The steering rack is earthed to chassis.

I have seen people talking of earthing the starter to the block and another earth between chassis and block. What should be on these cars as stock (or better than stock). Also what type of cable are people using; the heavy battery type or the braided type eg as per steering rack.

[Dicky Blighter]

You MUST have a block to body/chassis earth - this is where the starter gets it's earth from and a heavy braided type is best.
If you dont have one expect melty wires.

[Velocita Rosso]

Correct.... the earth strap is sometimes from the front engine mounts to turrets

[boxcorsair]

So if I put a braided metal earth straps from the engine mounts to chassis (turrets) that's it for the starter as well? Is it the same type as from the bottom of the steering rack?

Any other one needed... had a good hunt through the workshop manual but cannot find any info or locations.

[Steve Cureton]

If it's the same as a Herald then the steering rack braid is no where sufficient for what you need. It's a substantial cable, about 10mm at a guess and needs to be properly crimped etc. On the assumption any Triumph specialist will stock them then that is where I would go. But more likely is that the braid is already there, you just haven't spotted it. Try looking just next to the timing chain cover right at the bottom, and it should connect to the steering rack clamp under the front cross member. You would probably be having serious starting problems if you don't have it, or overheating choke/accelerator cables etc - a definite fire hazard.

[boxcorsair]

Cool... I've order a couple up just in case, but will get a good look round the TC cover.

Cheers all

[Steve Cureton]

This might help if you look carefully -

[boxcorsair]

Pics speak a thousand words... thanks a million Steve  :)

[CharlieB]

On the Spitfire the earth braid continues from the bolt on the side of the battery box to the block (one of the bell housing bolts).

[boxcorsair]

Thanks Charlie. I order two but that sounds like quite stretch. Back to ebay   :)

[boxcorsair]

Thanks Charlie. I order two but that sounds like quite stretch. Back to ebay   :)