Very useful information, thanksI haven't got additional earths for the engine, but actually unscrewing and cleaning the contact surfaces between the starter motor earth cable and the chassis leg underneath the ABS pipework behind the headlamp on UK passenger side made a huge improvement to cold-weather starting on both tdi and 1.4i engined cars. Providing the bolt isn't seized and the existing cable is intact, start with that, then consider fitting additional earths if it doesn't do anything. Are you experiencing symptoms of a bad earth? (Laboured cranking even when the battery is good and fully charged?).
Fitting additional earths I have done with the wiper motor - this made a vast difference on two of our cars and I'm going to do it on the third when I get a chance. 6mm earth cable around 50cm long with 8mm eyes at the ends, from an existing bolt that screws into the casing to a bolt securing the alternator belt tensioner.
Thanks I've ordered some 6mm cable and some of these connectors (I'll solder them on and shrink wrap the ends), so im readyI haven't got additional earths for the engine, but actually unscrewing and cleaning the contact surfaces between the starter motor earth cable and the chassis leg underneath the ABS pipework behind the headlamp on UK passenger side made a huge improvement to cold-weather starting on both tdi and 1.4i engined cars. Providing the bolt isn't seized and the existing cable is intact, start with that, then consider fitting additional earths if it doesn't do anything. Are you experiencing symptoms of a bad earth? (Laboured cranking even when the battery is good and fully charged?).
Fitting additional earths I have done with the wiper motor - this made a vast difference on two of our cars and I'm going to do it on the third when I get a chance. 6mm earth cable around 50cm long with 8mm eyes at the ends, from an existing bolt that screws into the casing to a bolt securing the alternator belt tensioner.
Thanks. I think the 6mm cable I've ordered works out about 18mm2 so pretty similarHerewith the cable I used for the earthing - my description of 6mm and the length was from memory. I think it is correct for the conductor though based on the insulated diameter being 8-9mm or thereabouts.
18" INCH 450mm CAR BATTERY BLACK EARTH EARTHING NEGATIVE LEAD CABLE WIRE STRAP | eBay
450mm Length. 16mm² Conductor (Cross sectional area) Flexible copper cable. Black PVC insulation. 110A Rated.www.ebay.co.uk
1x Cable
450mm Length
8mm Ring terminal fitted on either end
Black PVC insulation
16mm² Conductor (Cross sectional area) Flexible copper cable
8.85mm Outside diameter
110A Rated
I did read in an electrical article that soldered joints are not recommended. Instead crimp. Unfortunately there are loads of different crimps with their specific crimping tool, some of which are quite expensive. Buying ready made seems the thing to do if available. I've got my wiper extra earth cable waiting to be fitted.Thanks I've ordered some 6mm cable and some of these connectors (I'll solder them on and shrink wrap the ends), so im ready View attachment 116006
Thanks Alan, I can crimp if it's better. The reason to make them myself was so I could make them to suit and not have any additional "Spare" cable hanging around. Trying to keep it neat and tidyI did read in an electrical article that soldered joints are not recommended. Instead crimp. Unfortunately there are loads of different crimps with their specific crimping tool, some of which are quite expensive. Buying ready made seems the thing to do if available. I've got my wiper extra earth cable waiting to be fitted.
One of the potential problem with solder is vibration, causing fatigue type cracking.I did read in an electrical article that soldered joints are not recommended. Instead crimp. Unfortunately there are loads of different crimps with their specific crimping tool, some of which are quite expensive. Buying ready made seems the thing to do if available. I've got my wiper extra earth cable waiting to be fitted.
I have some old high lead content solder so was going to use that as assumed it would be more flexibleSolder in 99 was with Pb that is way less prone for cracking compared to solder used in current production which is lead free - higher melting point more prone for cracking etc.
You can still buy it, it is what I use on everything but drinking water supply pipes.I have some old high lead content solder so was going to use that as assumed it would be more flexible