Grounding the alternator

[Eagle Andy]

Today I was looking at the ground on my alternator and noticed it was grounded to a bracket that is part of the frame work around the engine compartment. Is is best to ground it to the motor . or does it matter. Thanks for any advice Andy

[luvrbus]

To the frame Andy were the Eagles were grounded, that is not the 05 original alternator looks to me like one from a truck Terry did a good mounting it

good luck

[bevans6]

Always to the frame, so that the circuit back to the batteries is as direct as possible.  It's often good to establish a solid ground between the engine and the frame as well, so that connection is unquestionable.

Brian

[Eagle Andy]

Thanks  I wonderd about that ground   You are right Clifford , that is a 135  amp truck alt and if you look close at that hot wire it looks a little small what do you think ?  And does it matter how long the ground wire is could I run it back down to the frame rail or back over to the ground connection that the battrey grounds to ?

[Eagle Andy]

Ok I got one of the answers I was looking for but I another ? . Can I run my alternator ground over to the place where my start battries are grounded. or can I just ground it to the motor on the driver side .

[FloridaCliff]

Andy,

It will work going to the engine, but running to the common battery ground is better.

The use of the frame as ground works, but is done to save on wiring by the manufacturer.

Running separate grounds to a common ground bus is "best practice", but seldom done.

Best of luck,

Cliff

[Eagle Andy]

Thanks Cliff , I had heard that before but wasn't sure . that's what Iam going to do . with that lite alt 135 amps I need all the help I can get. Thanks to all  Andy

[bevans6]

if you are going to run the ground a long distance, make sure you size it appropriately.  it carries all the current the alternator generates.

Brian

[Eagle Andy]

Will do thanks Brian