67 roadster alternator ground wire melting

[Linda]

The B terminal is the "hot" terminal, the wire goes to the (B)attery, and it sparks . There is a little insulator that is supposed to be there. Not sure if I have a pic...
Linda

[Curtis]

To give you an idea of how much grounding is a good here is the original type grounding strap. Of course no longer available so most people do the battery cable to the engine block at the alternator mount and add additional ground straps.

http://www.datsunroadster.com/PIC_PAGES ... 240-03.htm

[Curtis]

I made up a replica ground cable today with what I had on hand. Not perfect but close. Going to order a solder on type negative battery terminal. One problem with it is the original had the three wires crimped in to a brass terminal and I used a copper lug. The solder likes to creep up the wire.

Thanks to John Baker for giving the measurements from an original cable.

[devo]

I made up a replica ground cable today with what I had on hand. Not perfect but close. Going to order a solder on type negative battery terminal. One problem with it is the original had the three wires crimped in to a brass terminal and I used a copper lug. The solder likes to creep up the wire.

Thanks to John Baker for giving the measurements from an original cable.

Are you gonna sell that one Curtis? I'd like to have that to go with all of the other cvmarsten harnesses in my car, which work perfectly, btw.

Dean

[Curtis]

I made up a replica ground cable today with what I had on hand. Not perfect but close. Going to order a solder on type negative battery terminal. One problem with it is the original had the three wires crimped in to a brass terminal and I used a copper lug. The solder likes to creep up the wire.

Thanks to John Baker for giving the measurements from an original cable.

Are you gonna sell that one Curtis? I'd like to have that to go with all of the other cvmarsten harnesses in my car, which work perfectly, btw.

Dean

Let me get it refined and then I can make you one. Depending on the parts cost probably $20 to $30.

[bakerjf]

Looks great - happy to help.

[Nissanman]

I would advise you to use crimped terminals only, do not solder.
As you have noticed, the solder wicks up the stranded cable.
This rigidity can cause fatigue cracks due to vibration in the automotive environment.

[devo]

I made up a replica ground cable today with what I had on hand. Not perfect but close. Going to order a solder on type negative battery terminal. One problem with it is the original had the three wires crimped in to a brass terminal and I used a copper lug. The solder likes to creep up the wire.

Thanks to John Baker for giving the measurements from an original cable.

Are you gonna sell that one Curtis? I'd like to have that to go with all of the other cvmarsten harnesses in my car, which work perfectly, btw.

Dean

Let me get it refined and then I can make you one. Depending on the parts cost probably $20 to $30.

Sounds good. Lemme know.

[dbrick]

I had good luck filling up the copper lug with melted solder in a vise using a plumbing torch and then stick the tinned cable(s) in. Solder does splash and you need the right size lug, but it works well, doesn't heat up the cable too much as the big pool of solder holds enough heat the joint doesn't go cold. Just barley grab the edge of the lug so the vise isn't a heatsink. It costs a bit more, but I always use fine strand tinned marine battery cable.

[Curtis]

I had good luck filling up the copper lug with melted solder in a vise using a plumbing torch and then stick the tinned cable(s) in. Solder does splash and you need the right size lug, but it works well, doesn't heat up the cable too much as the big pool of solder holds enough heat the joint doesn't go cold. Just barley grab the edge of the lug so the vise isn't a heatsink. It costs a bit more, but I always use fine strand tinned marine battery cable.

That was the plan but I was a bit impatient. Finding a lug like the original has been impossible. I think I found a solder lug that is very similar to the original and I can use a minimum of solder and also crimp it.

I bought a solder pot which should allow me to tin the ends with a minimum of capillary action pulling the solder up the wire.

[lasalle_1600]

Thanks to all for great suggestions! The problem was solved by my grounding the engine block. Again, appreciate all the help. Now on to getting this baby to start

[dbrick]

Solder pot helps alot, but that's the reason I love tinned copper cable. https://www.westmarine.com/battery-cable

[Curtis]

Solder pot helps alot, but that's the reason I love tinned copper cable. https://www.westmarine.com/battery-cable

They didn't have the tinned one at NAPA. But they did have the rubber insulated one which is like original. The PVC insulated cable just doesn't look right.

I figure these things are consumables, just depends on what look you want and how long you want it to last.

I found some brass ring terminals that match really close if and when they get them in stock.

[notoptoy]

DelCity.com has some pretty interesting stuff too. No affiliation
https://www.delcity.net/store/Battery-C ... cessories/

[Curtis]

DelCity.com has some pretty interesting stuff too. No affiliation
https://www.delcity.net/store/Battery-C ... cessories/

Been all over them, WayTek and others.