Earth Strap Question

[hibb72]

Hi all

I have a broken earth strap hanging off inside the engine bay - just wondered if it's of any importance at all......

No idea what it was originally attached to - the end that is left is attached to the metalwork near the bottom of the rad. Can it just be removed, or should I replace it?

What should it be attached to?

Any advice appreciated.

 

[aLLeKs]

I have never seen one before

 

[nexussteve]

Yeah, I know the one you mean. Held onto the chassis by a screw?

I've never had one off, so I don't know how it affects the electrics, but knowing the amount of Earth points the K10 has, I'd proly replace it!

 

[gtsnissanb]

Nah wouldn't worry about it mate

 

[porkpie700]

That is the earth lead for the exhaust manifold, without it your engine will explode into a spectacular fireball... err no, sorry that was just my imagination. It's common for them to rot off and just dangle untill someone cuts them off. You can make a replacement if you want but since the manifold is attached to the block, it will also earth through the block.
You can fit extra earths if you want, some tuners swear by earth kits, some say it's all balls.
So i added two extra earths to the block on one of my k10's and another one to the inlet manifold. I didn't notice any difference in performance, it did improve the starting a little though. I assume it helped produce a slightly better spark but that's just speculation.

 

[hibb72]

thanks for the replies, much appreciated. porkpie - I take it that theres a bolt somewhere on the manifold that I haven't noticed yet, will get a replacement cable sorted out I think...

 

[porkpie700]

There are three bolts on the manifold that hold on the heat sheild, it's the bottom one that the earth attaches to. However those bolts tend to rot badly and can't be removed when they get like that. A good idea is to add another earth onto the top right bolt on the timing belt casing, and attach the other end to the back screw on the washer bottle holder on the inner wing. Pretty much just like the stock one you see on the top left bolt, just make sure it clears the fan belt.
But it is an optional thing so entirely upto you (Y)

 

[hibb72]

great advice, really appreciate it - bought an earth strap today and then looked at the bolts.....rusty is an understatement! will be able to sort something out, so glad this forum exists! :grinning:

 

[porkpie700]

You can always solder your new earth onto the manifold if the bolt it no good (Y)

 

[sn31]

only in milton keynes if you ever get stuck or need bits

 

[hibb72]

porkpie - took your advice and earth strap now added, thanks for that

sn31 - thanks for the offer, I am looking for a few bits atm (passenger side wing mirror, passenger side exterior door handle, a decent passenger side front wing and would like a roof rack also), if you know of any of these bits going let me know....