Ground strap '88 Sierra

[mountie]

Just starting to change front shocks, and found an unattached ground strap.
It's attached just under the heater hose on the firewall. It's about 12" or so long. WHERE on the engine would it connect to??

( 5.7 TBI )

[Marv D]

i'm not sure on the 88, but there were a couple of different places over the years. Most common was a bolt in the back of head. (note that's not a BULLET in the back of the head, but you may be willing to take one by the time you get a bolt through it, and tightened in one of the accessory holes back there, it sucks!)

On some vehicles I've seen it on the rear exhaust manifold bolt,, but with heat expansion and rust,, that's a POOR choice IMO.

In some of the earlier years it went on one of the bell housing bolts, in the 60's , a few I've seen went to one of the coil mounting bolts on the back of the intake manifold in early points distributors.

I guess what all that is saying,, it really doesn't matter exactly WHERE you connect the ground between the engine / frame / firewall,, as long as there is a - path from the battery to the engine, to the body (firewall or anywhere on the cab) and to the frame.

GM electronics are real picky about missing ground paths. There was good reason it went to the engine FIRST, then to the cab, frame etc. The charging system did not like weak grounds, nor does the sensors feeding electronic feedback to the ECM. You notice the fluted cuts around the bolt hole on that connector. ORIGINALLY they were slightly twisted so they cut through the engine paint and made a good contact. After a couple dozen times tightening it down on a macahined iron surface, it's just flat and has no 'bite'. Taking the paint off the head / intake or wherever you bolt too, is just a good idea for the electronics. No tefon tape or thread locker, etc,, you want a GOOD electrical connection
Remember, more electronic components (from alternators, to sensors and even electric motors ) burn out because of a poor path to ground.

[mountie]

Thanks.... GREAT description.

[mountie]

I found an available 1/4x20 hole in between exhausts on head to mount ground strap. Wire brushed surface. ...Now, I'll see if some codes go away. ( ESC & TPS )

[diveplane]

Originally Posted by mountie

Just starting to change front shocks, and found an unattached ground strap.
It's attached just under the heater hose on the firewall. It's about 12" or so long. WHERE on the engine would it connect to??

( 5.7 TBI )

that bolts onto the front frame , near the passenger side engine mount on top
bad design as chevy put the ac moisture vent tube directly above it .. make sure it has dielectric grease on it. i think it's for starter motor ground.

[mountie]

Originally Posted by diveplane

that bolts onto the front frame , near the passenger side engine mount on top
bad design as chevy put the ac moisture vent tube directly above it .. make sure it has dielectric grease on it. i think it's for starter motor ground.

Thanks.... I'll take a look

[diveplane]

if i remember i will try get a pic of it

[Cape Codder]

My 98 has two one to rear of block to firewall by heater hose the other is near the motor mount to the frame.

[mountie]

Thanks.....

[arrg]

Just checked my 88 for you. It's bolted somewhere on the back of the engine. I tried to trace it, but I lost it after it went around the transmission dipstick. Mine was green! I guess it's made out of copper.

[mountie]

Originally Posted by arrg

Just checked my 88 for you. It's bolted somewhere on the back of the engine. I tried to trace it, but I lost it after it went around the transmission dipstick. Mine was green! I guess it's made out of copper.

Thanks..... where I mounted the strap is good .... Thanks for the advise