Ground Wire, Battery Options

[Razorbobsr]

I was getting my herd of cars ready for winter yesterday and remembered that my 914 had a very dull glow from the alt light, time to look see. The battery ground had some crud, as did the post, but want came to light under the sun was the 'Green Crud' in the bundle of wires that make up the ground, under the plastic covering. Any chance this is causing the dull glow of my alt light? Does this 'Green Crud' infection, fatal? Serious note: How long a ground wire do I need to buy? Is there a battery clamp that would allow me another hook up for my MSD? Same question for the hot side? Bob

[Mike Bellis]

Battery cables should be inspected and replaced. A 5 year interval is a good start. Inspection includes visual corrosion and swelling or lumpyness of the insulation. This would indicate corrosion on the length of the cable. The corrosion becomes a "load" to with the voltage, pushing the current will be reduced trying to pass the load. Thus creating a voltage drop. 12V at the battery may be less than 8V at the starter. Voltage drop can only be measured under load. Or, take a voltage reading at the starter while you are cranking.

Size of cable should be as large as possible and no smaller than a #2 Copper wire.