Lancia Beta Forum

Technical stuff => Electrical => Topic started by: TonyLanciaBeta on February 18, 2024, 08:38:37 PM



Title: Earth lead replacement
Post by: TonyLanciaBeta on February 18, 2024, 08:38:37 PM
Hi
Looking to replace my old earth lead, it was getting a little warm when cranking the engine, and is looking very old.
Anyone know a UK supplier who can make one to pattern, or I could fit 2, one to gearbox and one to body ?
 
Thank
Tony
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53535178380_668b6e96ef_h.jpg)


Title: Re: Earth lead replacement
Post by: Nigel on February 18, 2024, 11:03:26 PM
Hi Tony,
Your easiest fix is to get 2 cables from your local factors
or Halfords, but they'd be black, or just braided.

If you want to keep it green, I can make them up with
internet parts.

Nigel


Title: Re: Earth lead replacement
Post by: squiglyzigly on February 20, 2024, 09:39:52 AM
Hi Tony,
I’ve made it common practice on all my cars now to have multiple earth cables.  Generally I put an additional one from the engine block to a suitable chassis point and an extra one from the alternator body to the chassis (this already has one from to the block).
No evidence to prove its worth on a Beta but experience on some more modern cars has fixed starting issues.
Also maintaining electric trains for a living has taught me you can’t have to many earth returns.

Ian


Title: Re: Earth lead replacement
Post by: WestonE on February 23, 2024, 08:19:14 AM
Hi Tony,

you will lose the both cables green thing, but they are simple to make with the investment in Hex crimps and adhesive heat shrink. Pole Volt or Vehicle Wiring Products for the cable. The thicker the better frankly. Look for marine rated multi strand. It is often super flexible and will carry the load of the upgrades we sneak onto our cars. Start from the battery clamp and cover you are going to use. It is fine to have this connected to an 8mm bolt on the battery cable. Also consider the scrap yard modern car option. My Monte got an instant improvement at a rolling road some years ago with an old VW earth lead.

Do not buy one of those spindly Halfords ready made things that are not able to handle the load.

Eric