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Posted by: ChrisNPDrider May 29 2006, 10:15 AM

This morning I tried to replace the short negative ground strap from the battery to the ground post, just to get a nice shiny connection in prep for a possible tech inspection next weekend. Just as I was almost done unscrewing the nut, the post sheared off from the body and is now just wiggling in there - can't tighten it. I *searched* for solutions and it seems the easy fix is to get a longer ground strap and bolt it to the top of the fan shround near the coil. I'd rather just fix the post and have the battery grounded in the same stock location.

Has anybody successfully reached this post and fixed it from inside of the fender as suggested in the post below??? I'd like to run a new bolt then double nut the ground strap back onto this new bolt in the stock location.

QUOTE(djm914-6 @ May 31 2005, 12:44 PM)

Posted by: wbergtho May 29 2006, 11:23 AM

I'd braze a new one in myself...but if you have no welder access...here's an idea. Drill the old stud out, clean the metal thoroughly and solder in a new stud (take an 8mm bolt and grind the head down to resemble a rivet) using flux and Map gas. I have seen this done before and it works quite well. Also, intall a nut on the bottom side tightly. Now you have a stirdy new ground stud.

Posted by: GeorgeRud May 29 2006, 11:39 AM

If there'w nothing blocking the location from the fenderwell, you probably could drill a 8mm hole and run a longer 8mm bolt through the panel. You could then doublenut the bolt and attach your ground strap to it. If you get access to a welder in the future, you can always weld the nut to the panel.

Posted by: ChrisNPDrider May 29 2006, 06:41 PM

Has anybody actually accessed the back of the stud from the wheel well?? Aren't I impatient as I sit here at work waiting to get home and work on the broke down 914?

Posted by: jsteele22 May 30 2006, 09:59 AM

Sounds like the car is in working order, right ? Why not just clamp it to ground best you can and drive to a shop that does welding ? Sound like a piece of cake job.

Posted by: ejm May 30 2006, 01:03 PM

QUOTE(ChrisNPDrider @ May 29 2006, 08:41 PM)

Posted by: ChrisNPDrider May 30 2006, 01:17 PM

Thanks a million....makes my limited wrench time with the 914 far more efficient! I tried reaching the back of the stud and got all the way to the top without touching it....I plan to sign up for a local college welding class that starts next month!

Posted by: ChrisNPDrider Jun 1 2006, 11:33 PM

The ground post was never repaired because it can't be reached from the back and I don't have any welding or soldering equipment/skills. A 25" new cable is now bolted ot the fan shroud, tray reiforcement installed, and Optima clamp secured through both trya support and old tray hole and into a new nut = solid.

New battery cable terminals has been one of the best upgrades yet! Seriously! I was having intermittent starting issues and have a new ignition switch ($9) comming in the mail because there was always a slight lag, then it would either fire up or not (lights and fuel pump OK every time). Now that I have 100% corrosion free terminals, new Optima (3 months old now), and a SOLID ground (the damn post broke due to rust) I can feel the starter turn over before the key even hits the full ignition position.Only time will tell if this was THE fix, but I am feeling less like Fred Flinstone every day (insert :pushing the car and popping the clutch smiliey:)




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Posted by: ChrisNPDrider Jun 1 2006, 11:34 PM

the end of the (-) is up near the bright light....


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