Grounds and More Grounds

[Jocko_51_B3B]

I'm starting the wiring installation on my B3B and I'm reading that many hard to diagnose electrical problems are caused by bad grounds, I was poking around online and found this article. It contains a simple grounding diagram that seems to make some good points that could be applied to Pilothouse trucks.  https://www.dragzine.com/tech-stories/top-ten-wiring-tips-with-ron-francis-wiring/ . Here's the diagram I'm talking about...(I realize the diagram shows a negative ground.) Has anyone tried using copper ground wires instead of the frame for a return path? 

 

 

Advantages of the system above:

1. one terminal strip from which grounds to various loads can be run

2. headlights, parking lights, and brake lights not dependent on the frame for a return path (copper conducts better than steel and copper doesn't rust)

3. one centralized point for ground connections instead of multiple points on the frame

4. grounds not dependent of steel body bolts

A disadvantage is extra wiring. Any opinions or other good ideas?

 

Edited February 29, 2020 by Jocko_51_B3B

[Plymouthy Adams]

grounds supplied on your existing harness are more than adequate....just ensure they are clean and tight....and I recommend a star washer for an assured BITE....the only time other than this is if you are adding or modifying your wiring then what you add/change will have to deal with good clean ground of sufficient gauge and wire quality.   I will not knock RF or any other supplier of the wiring harnesses as each are what you get in price and sometimes the price is more than what you get...shop wisely...it is good you taking the initiative to search out facts but don't overload you mind nor the vehicle with stuff not needed.  

[Jocko_51_B3B]

I bought my harness from Rhode Island Wiring. It's a cloth covered reproduction with same wire gauges, bullet connectors, and colors as the original. The wiring and documentation they provided is perfect. Whether I add relays or anything else, I'm not going to alter the harness at all. I might add something to the electrical system, but I want to be able to return it to original if I decide to do that.

Edited February 29, 2020 by Jocko_51_B3B

[kencombs]

Sure it'll work great.  Better than some others, worse than some.  Overkill? a whole lotta that IMO.   A common ground for the dash wiring, one in the rear and on on/near the radiator support for front lights is my go to.  I see no need for a massive ground battery to engine, unless you have a rear battery and a really hard cranking, high compression mega-motor up front.  And, yes, I know it's an engine, but motor just sounds better in this context!

[JBNeal]

additional information - Ground Strap Information

additional information - Starter Ground Performance Upgrade

Edited May 24, 2021 by JBNeal
revised link