New fiat ground pod

[Fiatbrit]

Hello still having ground issues with my 81 fiat. I took one of the pods to an auto parts store and one of the guys, trying to be helpful media blasted the pod. Is it junk since the plating is gone? Can I get a new one? Would coating it with dielectric grease work? Please help. Thanks for all the guidance

[westy64]

as long as the pod is metal, it should work.
IMHO, plating only protects the pod from corrosion, as corrosion reduce power conductivity.

[htchevyii]

Csaba might have a zinc plated one or Vicks sells stainless ones.

[RRoller123]

Westy is right. It will work fine, just watch it for future corrosion. I replaced the damned things completely with this rig on both sides. Not sure why, just for fun I guess. It works excellently.

[Fiatbrit]

Thank you all. RRoller where did you buy the grounding blocks like that? Did you cut the old spade terminals and replace with the notched style that go around a screw or ring style.

If I use the pod I will cover it with coppershield anti seize compound or dielectric grease.

thanks,

[profcucchi]

I met a guy who did what RRoller did. His son is an electrician, methinks, and he redid the pods completely.

Looks great and it works fine.

[Fiatbrit]

I cleaned both pods thoroughly. The one under the
DAsh looks fine. Took the car out and after about 4 blocks it quit again! Started and quit several times in the same spot. A neighbor helped me push it a few yards to the side. Tried it again started and ran fine all the way home. Am I missing another ground somewhere? I did find a terminal marked 22 that was disconnected but maybe it is for an accessory? Are there any ground locations I am missing? The Starter always engages but not the ignition. Is there a way to add another ground that works? I have not checked the main bell housing to body ground but assume it must be ok since the starter always engages? I suppose it is possible that the ignition switch is bad but jiggling the wires on the switch doesn't seem to matter? Thanks for any guidance. You have all been most helpful to me. I know it will start when I see the fuel gauge works. When it doesn't read I know the ignition is not engaged? Please advise

[4uall]

There should be 4. One on inside of each fender, one under dash and one in trunk rear lights



http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=16677

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=22586

[Fiatbrit]

Thank you. I found a single ground in the trunk and cleaned that too. It is still acting up. Could it be a bad relay or ignition switch. It did this before and I cleaned all the pods and connections and it ran fine for about 50 miles and mostly small runs. It stalled on me and I was able to limp home after a few starts and stops. I recleaned all the pods, including the trunk and the one ones on the coil. Still acts up. Seems like when it is touchy if I wiggle the key I can get it to quit and reset but it is hard to tell for sure as it is so random. Any thoughts? I know the prior owner told me he had a lock smith change the key at one point I wonder if for the same reason.

Any advise is appreciated.

Thanks,

[RRoller123]

@fiatbrit: I bought the blocks at "U-Do-It Electronics" in Needham, Massachusetts. They have an online presence I think. They were a little pricey but handle plenty of DC amperage. I refit all the wires with ring terminals, much more secure in a loose connection situation. The original ground stud on the fender wall was used for the brown wire which carries the connection to the block below it. I check the connections every few months and they are staying pretty tight. No troubles so far!

[Fiatbrit]

Thank you for letting me know