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Grounding question

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Old Sep 10, 2014 | 09:40 AM
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Default Grounding question
Have a 96 softail. And the main ground is cracked and pulling part from the frame connector. I see this as a weak point and could constantly happen could If I could find a braided ground strap would that work. Or is there another location I could move the ground to. Seem like with the seat on it's causing it to bend. Any idea or knowledge would help
 
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Old Sep 10, 2014 | 12:31 PM
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Doesn't matter where it goes, so you could find anywhere that's convenient. On my Glide it's under the trans. With a solid mount softail it's only insurance or backup.
 
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Old Sep 10, 2014 | 12:38 PM
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For me and Graham we have a rubber mounted driveline. My ground goes from battery to a starter mounting bolt, and I have a braided ground strap under the bike for frame to engine. I wouldn't see any reason you could replace your with a braided ground but I could be wrong.
 
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Old Sep 10, 2014 | 12:43 PM
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braided ground would be fine.
 
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Old Sep 10, 2014 | 02:05 PM
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Ok thanks, I didn't see a problem replacing it but you never know with electrical. I'm just trying to see if this could solve any problems I hAve with starting issue.
 
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Old Sep 10, 2014 | 02:13 PM
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Your starter has two huge power cables going to it, one power (+ve) the other a ground. The braided ground strap will only handle relatively low power levels.
 
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Old Sep 10, 2014 | 03:49 PM
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Originally Posted by grbrown
Your starter has two huge power cables going to it, one power (+ve) the other a ground. The braided ground strap will only handle relatively low power levels.
Well the ground I'm talking about is the main ground from the battery it goes right to the frame by the gas tank under the seat
 
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Old Sep 10, 2014 | 06:22 PM
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Default Hey Rabbito .
Originally Posted by Rabbito
Well the ground I'm talking about is the main ground from the battery it goes right to the frame by the gas tank under the seat
The problems with grounds are usually involving small ground busses in the electrical system serving the switches , gauges , etc.
Your problem seems to be with the main ground from the battery to the starter and chassis.
In regards to to this you can find standard battery gauge wire and assorted attachments at any auto. supply shop . Just describe to the dude what you need and what it is to be used for . Total cost should be approx. $30.00.
 
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Old Sep 10, 2014 | 06:38 PM
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a shop tip on this issue - we use a star washer under the ground wire to the frame on all the softails we take that cable off of - as the star washer cuts an indent into the frame and the cable metal end and improves the connection - and yes we use the correct one as a ground i like the location they put it - doing anything with stuff being disconnected its right in your face and easy to remove
 
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Old Sep 11, 2014 | 08:55 AM
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Originally Posted by johnjzjz
a shop tip on this issue - we use a star washer under the ground wire to the frame on all the softails we take that cable off of - as the star washer cuts an indent into the frame and the cable metal end and improves the connection - and yes we use the correct one as a ground i like the location they put it - doing anything with stuff being disconnected its right in your face and easy to remove
Not to keen on moving it I do like the location I just don't like how it's close to the seat and might be bending it and causing it to fail. That's why I thought a braided ground strap being flat might work better just a idea
 
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