The Ford Barn

hulleywoodworking · 08-29-2018, 07:38 AM

I have converted my 51 F1 with 239 flathead V8 to 12V negative ground. I need to connect the ground battery cable to the block. I know that under a head bolt is the most common location, but I'm not sure which one to use. I have head bolts, not studs, and I don't want to drain the antifreeze just to remove a head bolt.

Are any of the head bolts on the passenger side of the block NOT into the water jacket? Been so long since I rebuilt the motor that I don't remember.

Thanks.

JSeery · 08-29-2018, 07:43 AM

A head bolt would work, but belive I would look for another ground location on the block. Be sure any location is clean bare metal, and I would use a grease to keep it that way.

alanwoodieman · 08-29-2018, 07:50 AM

connect the ground to a bolt on the bell housing adapter, easy to do

51 MERC-CT · 08-29-2018, 07:59 AM

Or one of the coil bracket mount bolts, assuming the battery is on the passenger side.

MGG · 08-29-2018, 08:21 AM

I have them connected to an intake manifold bolt.

Drbrown · 08-29-2018, 10:59 AM

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Old timers connected the battery ground via cable to one of the two bolts on the starter, which is the largest user of currant. And then ground straps from engine manifold to body and frame.

V8 Bob · 08-29-2018, 01:48 PM

Another good ground location is one of the 4 unused threaded bosses on the front lower block, where early V8 (and '53 truck) motor mounts were bolted to.

08-29-2018, 07:38 AM	#1
hulleywoodworking Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 88	Grounding the Battery to the Block 51 F1? I have converted my 51 F1 with 239 flathead V8 to 12V negative ground. I need to connect the ground battery cable to the block. I know that under a head bolt is the most common location, but I'm not sure which one to use. I have head bolts, not studs, and I don't want to drain the antifreeze just to remove a head bolt. Are any of the head bolts on the passenger side of the block NOT into the water jacket? Been so long since I rebuilt the motor that I don't remember. Thanks.

08-29-2018, 07:43 AM	#2
JSeery Member Emeritus Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 16,132	Re: Grounding the Battery to the Block 51 F1? A head bolt would work, but belive I would look for another ground location on the block. Be sure any location is clean bare metal, and I would use a grease to keep it that way.

08-29-2018, 07:50 AM	#3
alanwoodieman Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: upstate SC Posts: 2,985	Re: Grounding the Battery to the Block 51 F1? connect the ground to a bolt on the bell housing adapter, easy to do

08-29-2018, 07:59 AM	#4
51 MERC-CT Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: East Hartford, Ct Posts: 5,898	Re: Grounding the Battery to the Block 51 F1? Or one of the coil bracket mount bolts, assuming the battery is on the passenger side. __________________ DON'T RECALL DOING SOMETHING FOR MYSELF BASED ON SOMEONE ELSE'S LIKES OR DISLIKES

08-29-2018, 08:21 AM	#5
MGG Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Oregon City, OR Posts: 285	Re: Grounding the Battery to the Block 51 F1? I have them connected to an intake manifold bolt.

08-29-2018, 10:59 AM	#6
Drbrown Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Glens Falls NY Posts: 1,267	Re: Grounding the Battery to the Block 51 F1? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Old timers connected the battery ground via cable to one of the two bolts on the starter, which is the largest user of currant. And then ground straps from engine manifold to body and frame.

08-29-2018, 01:48 PM	#7
V8 Bob Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Granger (Northern) Indiana Posts: 1,522	Re: Grounding the Battery to the Block 51 F1? Another good ground location is one of the 4 unused threaded bosses on the front lower block, where early V8 (and '53 truck) motor mounts were bolted to.