Negative battery cable location
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 42
From: Michigan
Negative battery cable location
I can't remember where negative battery cable grounds on engine block. A picture would be nice if possible. 360 or 390 would work. Been too long since I took it apart.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
You should ground your battery to the frame . In addition your engine and body need to be grounded .
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
This is incorrect and will cause an electrical fire. Ground the battery to the engine block. The starter draws the heaviest current by far, and grounds to the engine block. As such, the heavy-gauge negative battery cable must connect directly to the block, making it the central ground point for the vehicle. The same concept applies to the alternator. The heavy ground currents pass through the block.
The frame and body sheetmetal must then ground to the block. All lighting and accessory loads, while capable of being large, are small by comparison.
The frame and body sheetmetal must then ground to the block. All lighting and accessory loads, while capable of being large, are small by comparison.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 42
From: Michigan
This is incorrect and will cause an electrical fire. Ground the battery to the engine block. The starter draws the heaviest current by far, and grounds to the engine block. As such, the heavy-gauge negative battery cable must connect directly to the block, making it the central ground point for the vehicle. The same concept applies to the alternator. The heavy ground currents pass through the block.
The frame and body sheetmetal must then ground to the block. All lighting and accessory loads, while capable of being large, are small by comparison.
The frame and body sheetmetal must then ground to the block. All lighting and accessory loads, while capable of being large, are small by comparison.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,512
Likes: 3
From: Panama City
Just find an empty threaded hole in block close to battery and put a bolt in it. Should be one on head. If no hole is empty remove a bolt and ground it there.
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Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Stanley, VA
The factory ground location on the 360/390 is the bolt in the block directly behind the alternator. The problem with that location is the bolt diameter is something on the order of 1/2" or so, can't recall for sure. But it's bigger than the usual terminal in the over the counter battery cables.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 42
From: Michigan
Thanks Mike. That is where I thought it went, but as you stated the new battery cable mounting hole is too small. I think it is 1/2" bolt. Guess I'll have to dream up something to mount it there.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
What I'm planning on doing with mine is, I have access at work to pieces of pure copper that are 1/4"-3/8" thick. I'm going to get a piece that's about 1" X 2 1/2" and drill two holes, one for the battery cable and one that's big enough to mount to the block using the big bolt. That way I'll have a mounting lug for the cable.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 218
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From: Colorado
I built my cables from scratch with supplies from NAPA . Lugs and terminal clamps are soldered . The wire is about twice the size of stock . I was able to enlarge the bolt holes on the lugs as needed . All are attached in the stock location .
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 229
Likes: 1
I also went the NAPA route. They sell cable cut to length and a number of different end connections and battery terminals. I just walked in and started piling up what I needed. Imagine my surprise when I ended up paying about $75 for battery and grounding cables. Lol. Oh well, it's for a good cause right?