Basic Ground Question

[RRoller123]

The 80 FI has a stud and there is a center nut that holds the pod on.

[profcucchi]

The interior ground cluster is under the dash, just to the right of the ignition.

I also added dielectric grease to every connection, not only grounds. I even took the pods off, cleaned, greased, and reinstalled. If the pods are not grounded well, then the ground to the pod isn't.

Also check this out: http://www.mirafiori.com/faq/content/el ... estore.htm

4uall - where did you get those connection covers/boots? Never seen them before.

Please don't laugh at the innocence of my question

After putting dielectric grease on the connectors, can I wrap the whole thing with quality electrical tape to inhibit dirt from caking on? I don't mean to gift wrap it, but place a single tape around the circle of connectors.

[TX82FIAT]

Your question is not a bad one. I don't think it would look very good and I'm not sure that the tape would really inhibit the oxidation and dirt process much. Review some of the ground pod cleaning information presented in the responses. Clean the entire hub, cut about 1/2 inch back on the wires and put a new connections on them. If you want, slip a little 1 inch piece of shrink wrap over the wire before criping or even sodering the new connection point/connector. A dab of dielectric grease and make sure the connecter is on tight and then slide the shrink wrap over the tight connection on the pod and heat it up. The shrink wrap will help protect and already clean and tight new connection to the clean hub. It will look neat and the shrink wrap will keep the connection in better shape than the tape.

[4uall]

Thanks for planting the seed. After looking at this post all day I actually decided to do mine.


Dirty ground pod & nut by itzebtze, on Flickr


Dirty ground pod & nut by itzebtze, on Flickr


Cleaned ground pod & nut by itzebtze, on Flickr


Cleaned ground pod & nut by itzebtze, on Flickr


Newly cleaned ground pod with copper shield by itzebtze, on Flickr

Turns out it is attached by a 10mm nut

[giuliot60]

Copper shield? What is that Jay? I was wondering what that brassy color was from.

[4uall]

Permatex Copper Anti-Seize

For easy assembly and disassembly of metal parts

Prevents galling during assembly

Contains a high percentage of micro-fine copper flakes in a semi-synthetic grease carrier to prevent seizing

Electronically conductive, can be used on ground bolts and sensors

Inhibits rusting, cold welding and galvanic corrosion between assembled parts

Effective at high temperatures up to 982°C (1800° F)

Ideal applications include: spark plug threads in aluminum blocks, exhaust manifold bolts, engine bolts, oxygen sensor, knock sensor, thermostat housing bolts, fuel filter fitting and battery cable connections

227g brush-top can

[giuliot60]

On the list! Thanks.

[4uall]

I originally used this for my new spark plugs. My wipers now work even better along with even better/brighter lights

[4uall]

because that is the ground point, hitting the body while cleaning will not produce a short. just dont hit anything hot. With the battery disconnected, the entire system is cold, so you can touch anything. there is also a ground cluster underneath the center of the dash. may have to pull the upper console to get to it. most of your instrument and interior ground dwell there.

would anyone have a pic of this for me? Forgot to do mine last night

[4uall]

hey I forgot to post this

http://www.midwest-bayless.com/storefro ... =250927814

[4uall]

found it thanks

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... a&start=15

[LIQUIDLOUNGE]

I have a '76 and I've never seen a "grounding bloom" on either of my inner fender wells. Are these just on specific years?

[profcucchi]

Your question is not a bad one. I don't think it would look very good and I'm not sure that the tape would really inhibit the oxidation and dirt process much. Review some of the ground pod cleaning information presented in the responses. Clean the entire hub, cut about 1/2 inch back on the wires and put a new connections on them. If you want, slip a little 1 inch piece of shrink wrap over the wire before criping or even sodering the new connection point/connector. A dab of dielectric grease and make sure the connecter is on tight and then slide the shrink wrap over the tight connection on the pod and heat it up. The shrink wrap will help protect and already clean and tight new connection to the clean hub. It will look neat and the shrink wrap will keep the connection in better shape than the tape.

You are quite the gentleman. I now have a project for Saturday.

[profcucchi]

Cleaned both. Here is the clean:



Canadian Tire didn't have shrink wrap so it'll have to wait until I find place that does.

[4uall]

yours looks way cleaner than mine I should just replace them all together.

http://www.midwest-bayless.com/fullView ... enewed.jpg