Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Grounding to aluminum head? #2779038
05/28/20 11:56 AM
05/28/20 11:56 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,374
Houston,Tx.
L
Lee446 Offline OP
pro stock
Lee446  Offline OP
pro stock
L

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,374
Houston,Tx.
I always move the batteries to the trunk in my cars and run two #1 copper cables full length to the starter and ground location. I have grounded to the head boss on my aluminum heads and when freshening up the engine after 7 years, I noticed that the water passages in the heads, showed some signs of electrolysis, not bad, but more than I would have expected for as little the car is used. This is an iron block/aluminum headed 528 Hemi. Should I be attaching the ground cable to the iron block instead of the heads? Does grounding thru the head aggravate the electrolisys?
Thanks!

Re: Grounding to aluminum head? [Re: Lee446] #2779056
05/28/20 12:43 PM
05/28/20 12:43 PM
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 43,007
Bend,OR USA
C
Cab_Burge Offline
I Win
Cab_Burge  Offline
I Win
C

Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 43,007
Bend,OR USA
Try it and see twocents
The starter has the biggest current draw so providing the easiest path for the current makes a lot of sense to me up
I think iron conducts electricity better than aluminum scope


Mr.Cab Racing and winning with Mopars since 1964. (Old F--t, Huh)
Re: Grounding to aluminum head? [Re: Cab_Burge] #2779059
05/28/20 12:47 PM
05/28/20 12:47 PM
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,603
Stuttgart, Arkansas
rickseeman Offline
master
rickseeman  Offline
master

Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,603
Stuttgart, Arkansas
I think aluminum conducts electricity much better so I think you're fine.

https://www.metalsupermarkets.com/which-metals-conduct-electricity/


2011 Drag Pak Challenger
Re: Grounding to aluminum head? [Re: rickseeman] #2779064
05/28/20 01:01 PM
05/28/20 01:01 PM
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 43,007
Bend,OR USA
C
Cab_Burge Offline
I Win
Cab_Burge  Offline
I Win
C

Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 43,007
Bend,OR USA
I see several errors on his information, gold is the best conductor, hence the gold plating of high end connectors for the high end devices, especially in the aircraft and space programs scope
Basic electricity classes cover the different metals used in the power and entertainment industry, the power company converter to aluminum lines to save money even though they have to have to use a bigger line size compared to copper lines.


Mr.Cab Racing and winning with Mopars since 1964. (Old F--t, Huh)
Re: Grounding to aluminum head? [Re: rickseeman] #2779065
05/28/20 01:01 PM
05/28/20 01:01 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 19,304
Las Vegas
Al_Alguire Offline
I Live Here
Al_Alguire  Offline
I Live Here

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 19,304
Las Vegas
We do it in the racecars. Both aluminum blocks but we have even seen excessive corrosion on the outside if they are not grounded.


"I am not ashamed to confess I am ignorant of what I do not know."

"It's never wrong to do the right thing"
Re: Grounding to aluminum head? [Re: Cab_Burge] #2779067
05/28/20 01:05 PM
05/28/20 01:05 PM
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 22,695
Bitopia
J
jcc Offline
If you can't dazzle em with diamonds..
jcc  Offline
If you can't dazzle em with diamonds..
J

Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 22,695
Bitopia
Originally Posted by Cab_Burge
I see several errors on his information, gold is the best conductor, hence the gold plating of high end connectors for the high end devices, especially in the aircraft and space programs scope
Basic electricity classes cover the different metals used in the power and entertainment industry, the power company converter to aluminum lines to save money even though they have to have to use a bigger line size compared to copper lines.


I need to correct the above, Silver is best, but it tarnishes, where gold does not why gold is favored. For example, in FE racecars, the wiring is mainly pure silver.


Reality check, that half the population is smarter then 50% of the people and it's a constantly contested fact.
Re: Grounding to aluminum head? [Re: jcc] #2779068
05/28/20 01:08 PM
05/28/20 01:08 PM
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 43,007
Bend,OR USA
C
Cab_Burge Offline
I Win
Cab_Burge  Offline
I Win
C

Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 43,007
Bend,OR USA
What is FE race car?


Mr.Cab Racing and winning with Mopars since 1964. (Old F--t, Huh)
Re: Grounding to aluminum head? [Re: Cab_Burge] #2779079
05/28/20 01:25 PM
05/28/20 01:25 PM
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 22,695
Bitopia
J
jcc Offline
If you can't dazzle em with diamonds..
jcc  Offline
If you can't dazzle em with diamonds..
J

Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 22,695
Bitopia
Sorry Formula Electric

https://www.fiaformulae.com/


Reality check, that half the population is smarter then 50% of the people and it's a constantly contested fact.
Re: Grounding to aluminum head? [Re: Lee446] #2779081
05/28/20 01:33 PM
05/28/20 01:33 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 30,945
Oregon
A
AndyF Offline
I Win
AndyF  Offline
I Win
A

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 30,945
Oregon
Grounding to the head is no problem, especially if you're also grounding to the starter or to the block next to the starter. What are you using for coolant? Distilled water might help if you are using tap water. Some sort of additive is also a good idea such as water wetter or something like that.

Re: Grounding to aluminum head? [Re: AndyF] #2779101
05/28/20 02:22 PM
05/28/20 02:22 PM
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 11,678
W. Kentucky
justinp61 Offline
I Live Here
justinp61  Offline
I Live Here

Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 11,678
W. Kentucky
I moved my battery to the trunk on my Dart and only ran a hot wire to the front. To ground the battery I drilled and tapped a hole in one of the roll bar mounting plates welded to the trunk floor. The engine ground comes from a bolt in the k member to the aluminum head. There is another wire from the bolt on the k member to a ground buss for any accessories, I also have a sacrificial anode in my aluminum radiator.

Re: Grounding to aluminum head? [Re: justinp61] #2779221
05/28/20 07:29 PM
05/28/20 07:29 PM
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 9,791
MI, usa
dvw Offline
master
dvw  Offline
master

Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 9,791
MI, usa
No grounds on my heads. Ground cable in the back to the cage. 2nd ground from the torsion bar cross member to the transmission. 3rd ground cage to block. I did see corrosion between the water pump and motor plate, none between the plate and block. Also some pitting around the water jackets in the deck surface of the heads. I'm going to add an anode and see what happens. Never any electrical or misfire issues.
Doug

Re: Grounding to aluminum head? [Re: jcc] #2779227
05/28/20 07:40 PM
05/28/20 07:40 PM
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 43,007
Bend,OR USA
C
Cab_Burge Offline
I Win
Cab_Burge  Offline
I Win
C

Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 43,007
Bend,OR USA
Is this the series that replaced Formula one?
If so I saw part of a race on T.V. of those cars and watching them accelerate away from a corner was not very exciding with out any exhaust note of the motor accelerating , no tire squealing noise or anything else confused


Mr.Cab Racing and winning with Mopars since 1964. (Old F--t, Huh)
Re: Grounding to aluminum head? [Re: Cab_Burge] #2779240
05/28/20 08:18 PM
05/28/20 08:18 PM
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 22,695
Bitopia
J
jcc Offline
If you can't dazzle em with diamonds..
jcc  Offline
If you can't dazzle em with diamonds..
J

Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 22,695
Bitopia
Originally Posted by Cab_Burge
Is this the series that replaced Formula one?
If so I saw part of a race on T.V. of those cars and watching them accelerate away from a corner was not very exciding with out any exhaust note of the motor accelerating , no tire squealing noise or anything else confused


Welcome to the future. laugh2

The kids won't know any better.

I believe the hidden OP's original question, I can't see how any electrolysis he thinks he spotted has anything to do with grounding on the head, but that is only my guess.


Reality check, that half the population is smarter then 50% of the people and it's a constantly contested fact.
Re: Grounding to aluminum head? [Re: Cab_Burge] #2779242
05/28/20 08:23 PM
05/28/20 08:23 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,122
Auburn WA
Dave_J Offline
master
Dave_J  Offline
master

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,122
Auburn WA
There is an Anode in a radiator cap for this.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Anti-Electrolysis-Sacrificial-Anode-13lbs-Radiator-Cap-FREE-1-3-DAY-SHIPPING/202005618264?hash=item2f08791e58:g:uhoAAOSwPt9eoHQe:sc:USPSPriority!83617!US!-1


Retired, US ARMY 1973-1994
ASE mechanic, Electrical 1994-1997
Retired GTE/VERIZON/FRONTIER 1997-2015


Posting cheap tech help (CRAP) here since Nov 97, 1000's of posts, some may be good.

03 Suzuki Burgman 650(Burger King) Scooter
65 Formula S Cuda
78 Little Red Express Truck
98 Buick Regal (wifes car)
Re: Grounding to aluminum head? [Re: Lee446] #2779256
05/28/20 08:46 PM
05/28/20 08:46 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 30,945
Oregon
A
AndyF Offline
I Win
AndyF  Offline
I Win
A

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 30,945
Oregon
On my Duster I used one cylinder head as the negative buss bar. I have the battery post connected to the head as well as the chassis, the EFI system, the electrical panel, and the ignition system. I ground everything to that head. The heads are drilled at tapped in multiple places so it is easy to attach a bunch of wires to it. The head is central in the engine compartment and it is aluminum so it conducts well so it seems like a natural place to run all of the grounds to.

Re: Grounding to aluminum head? [Re: AndyF] #2779279
05/28/20 10:11 PM
05/28/20 10:11 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,374
Houston,Tx.
L
Lee446 Offline OP
pro stock
Lee446  Offline OP
pro stock
L

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,374
Houston,Tx.
Thanks for all of the replies, I think I will continue to ground to the head.

Re: Grounding to aluminum head? [Re: Lee446] #2779294
05/28/20 11:03 PM
05/28/20 11:03 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,122
Auburn WA
Dave_J Offline
master
Dave_J  Offline
master

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,122
Auburn WA
Originally Posted by Lee446
Thanks for all of the replies, I think I will continue to ground to the head.


Good to go. But I'd still think of putting an anode in some where. They also make drain plug replacements that screw in the radiator.


Retired, US ARMY 1973-1994
ASE mechanic, Electrical 1994-1997
Retired GTE/VERIZON/FRONTIER 1997-2015


Posting cheap tech help (CRAP) here since Nov 97, 1000's of posts, some may be good.

03 Suzuki Burgman 650(Burger King) Scooter
65 Formula S Cuda
78 Little Red Express Truck
98 Buick Regal (wifes car)
Re: Grounding to aluminum head? [Re: Lee446] #2779417
05/29/20 11:27 AM
05/29/20 11:27 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,902
A shed in England
Tig Offline
master
Tig  Offline
master

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,902
A shed in England
Grounding both heads will help with electrolysis when it's running, you have a basic battery exchanging ions through the coolant due to the dissimilar metals in the heads and block. Adding an easier "path" for the electrons flow will help reduce the electrolysis effect on the head studs,head gasket fire rings etc and technically,you get a better spark. I run an earth from the batteries in the trunk to the block, the starter motor turns the engine over a lot easier. Sure it adds weight but your ignition system will thank you. twocents
EDIT: Some coolants also have corrosion inhibitors which will help also but not all drag strips like you to run anti freeze / summer coolant

Last edited by Tig; 05/29/20 11:30 AM.

'74 Challenger..9.46 @ 145.9 1/4, 6.001 @ 118 1/8 so far. 4023lb !!! # N/A, Marsh performance 655ci, Indy Maxx, T/R, Indy 600-13 X's, Street legal, pump gas, full interior, Cal-Tracs, mufflers, 3:73's and real 10.5 radials.
9.51 @ 142.4 1/4, 6.003 @ 114 1/8 with our old mule KB, 572-13, 580 wedge.
RHD '68 Barracuda Fastback 323ci street/strip. Best ET 13.88 @ 99.03
Re: Grounding to aluminum head? [Re: Tig] #2779508
05/29/20 03:31 PM
05/29/20 03:31 PM
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,229
In The Hills
J
jughed Offline
pro stock
jughed  Offline
pro stock
J

Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,229
In The Hills
With all of those bolts or studs clamping the heads down, how could there be any difference as to which is grounded?? When using an ohm meter on block and heads, I get zero ohms. Type of gasket material would make zero difference. It even shows a 0 ohms reading from block to oil pan sealed with a thick paper gasket and silicone.
I've always ran a ground from frame to starter mount, and from frame to battery in trunk, Zero corrosion issues on the alum. heads.


IMG_20200529_101034557_HDR.jpg


End those annoying Infolink ads with AdBlockPlus

https://adblockplus.org/
Re: Grounding to aluminum head? [Re: AndyF] #2779540
05/29/20 05:20 PM
05/29/20 05:20 PM
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 653
Fredericksburg Va
P
plycuda Offline
mopar
plycuda  Offline
mopar
P

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 653
Fredericksburg Va
Originally Posted by AndyF
Grounding to the head is no problem, especially if you're also grounding to the starter or to the block next to the starter. What are you using for coolant? Distilled water might help if you are using tap water. Some sort of additive is also a good idea such as water wetter or something like that.


i have read in a few places not to use distilled water. I'm not a chemist but it was said that distilled water has been stripped of all minerals and when you put it in you motor it will eat the metals to try and balance itself back out. it said use softened water whatever that is.

Page 1 of 2 1 2






Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.1