MC Battery Ground

[snoopy]

I have been getting by with a bad battery for years and have been jumping with 12 volts. Decided to get with it and fix the problem with a new 6 volt battery. Got battery and installed and broke the ground cable cable terminal. then I realized that it was a 12 volt cable, went to parts house and got a good 6 volt braided grand cable. got it installed and while cranking I saw sparks fly from the top of the pedistal to the hood, it was cranking real slow!.

I got a 18" long braided ground strap and ran it from the grounded battery cable to the trans housing and now it cranks like if I was using 12 volts. I recon the connection between the pedistal and the main housing is pretty rusted up. Probably never been off since 1949. Bolts would most likely break if I tried to remove them.
Just thought I would pass this along to remind people that you need good ground connections if you want them to crank right.
Merry Christmas!

[Willyr]

Your best place for the ground is usually a starter bolt. As the starter will have the greatest amperage draw.

The fact you saw sparks is a statement that you did not clean where the ground was connected. A poor ground or connection where serious amps are used will result in sparks.

On my 420, I replaced all the starter wiring with copper wire (forgot the OT size, it was 1/2 inch diameter) and plug soldered the ends. I also used the brass terminals over the lead ones for better connectivity.