12 replies to this topic

[Lewis998]

Hopefully not a ridiculous question, what is the earth strap that runs from end to end of the top engine steady exactly responsible for ?

I ask because mine disappeared a couple weeks ago but everything is still functioning normally ?

[[email protected]]

Does what it says on the tin, and completes the power circuit. Get it replaced ASAP, as it will currently be earthing through accelerator cable, choke cable etc. Sooner or later your battery won't be at its full charge, and you'll be unable to start the car.

[Lewis998]

Does what it says on the tin, and completes the power circuit. Get it replaced ASAP, as it will currently be earthing through accelerator cable, choke cable etc. Sooner or later your battery won't be at its full charge, and you'll be unable to start the car.

Gotcha, thanks man, I'll get it replaced.
Explains why my last battery went duff.

Edited by Lewis998, 21 June 2012 - 02:43 PM.

[[email protected]]

That would do it..... symptoms generally are more pronounced in the cold. Check the state of your choke, heater and throttle cables as well now, they can melt when acting as an earth for any lenght of time

[Lewis998]

Will do, the choke cable was fine the other day (didn't look fried to bits) will check the others later on.
Thanks Simon.

[The Principal]

The straps are quite cheap so may be an idea to fit two at different places wont be a problem again :)

[Spud_133]

That would do it..... symptoms generally are more pronounced in the cold. Check the state of your choke, heater and throttle cables as well now, they can melt when acting as an earth for any lenght of time

This is strange, mine was worse when it was hot when the earth strap was broken. I put it down to the fact that the pistons were tighter in the bore, meaning more amps were needed to turn the engine over. It would have the symptons of a flat battery. As soon as renewed the earth strap, it cured it.

Edited by Spud_133, 21 June 2012 - 05:50 PM.

[mini-luke]

The straps are quite cheap so may be an idea to fit two at different places wont be a problem again :)

Good idea this, anywhere from the engine to the body with clean, fairly thick metal at each end is ideal. I had problems with a dodgy earth and added another for insurance.

[cooperrodeo]

The earth strap connection between battery and body can also be dodgy.

[freshairmini]

That would do it..... symptoms generally are more pronounced in the cold. Check the state of your choke, heater and throttle cables as well now, they can melt when acting as an earth for any lenght of time

This is strange, mine was worse when it was hot when the earth strap was broken. I put it down to the fact that the pistons were tighter in the bore, meaning more amps were needed to turn the engine over. It would have the symptons of a flat battery. As soon as renewed the earth strap, it cured it.

I wouldn't think the pistons would be tighter seen as all the engine parts expand when hot, not juts the pistons.

[mini-luke]

That would do it..... symptoms generally are more pronounced in the cold. Check the state of your choke, heater and throttle cables as well now, they can melt when acting as an earth for any lenght of time

This is strange, mine was worse when it was hot when the earth strap was broken. I put it down to the fact that the pistons were tighter in the bore, meaning more amps were needed to turn the engine over. It would have the symptons of a flat battery. As soon as renewed the earth strap, it cured it.

I wouldn't think the pistons would be tighter seen as all the engine parts expand when hot, not juts the pistons.

Clearances are looser when cold to allow for alu expanding more than cast iron.

[freshairmini]

so if the piston clearances are looser anyway surely that would be the same, as it wouldn't be tight because its been taken into consideration and there all expanding...

[AVV IT]

The earth strap connection between battery and body can also be dodgy.

Very true, especially as it bolts to the boot floor..... and we all know what boot floors are notorious for!!