Some help on wiring is needed.

[Raph X.]

Ive been doing alot of maintenance on my wiring all around from checking breakage/corrosion/shorts all that to replacing and upgrading. One particular wire has me in question. That wire is the bare copper braided wire running from engine to frame. Is there a reason for it to be that type of wire or can i upgrade it to a shielded type of wire??

Thanks in advance.

 

[imp]

GroundStraps\Wires are braided so they remain flexible between parts that vibrate(engine) & parts that don't vibrate (frame).
A solid conductor wire will break much too soon due to stress cracks when subjected to movement\vibration.
A shielded\insulated wire is not needed & may actually create a problem if not properly terminated.
This ground strap is there as part of the circuit for things like the spark plugs & starter & various sensors.
Just make sure this ground strap is not frayed\worn & that the terminals are clean & tight.
Dirty\loose terminals create resistance which creates heat & can make electrical circuits do strange things.

A piece of arc welding cable with many very fine conductors works well for grounding strap and replacement battery cables. Only "kicker" is need for good, solid lugs on the ends. This cable is super flexible, insulated (usually) with oil-resistant material.

 

[Raph X.]

A piece of arc welding cable with many very fine conductors works well for grounding strap and replacement battery cables. Only "kicker" is need for good, solid lugs on the ends. This cable is super flexible, insulated (usually) with oil-resistant material.

GroundStraps\Wires are braided so they remain flexible between parts that vibrate(engine) & parts that don't vibrate (frame).
A solid conductor wire will break much too soon due to stress cracks when subjected to movement\vibration.
A shielded\insulated wire is not needed & may actually create a problem if not properly terminated.
This ground strap is there as part of the circuit for things like the spark plugs & starter & various sensors.
Just make sure this ground strap is not frayed\worn & that the terminals are clean & tight.
Dirty\loose terminals create resistance which creates heat & can make electrical circuits do strange things.

Thank you both for the responses. My wire looks a bit worn but now at least i have info on what type of wire to use. One question though. What did you mean by "kicker"?

 

[imp]

Thank you both for the responses. My wire looks a bit worn but now at least i have info on what type of wire to use. One question though. What did you mean by "kicker"?

The electrical connection between the cable and a fastening lug attached to it is a critical part of success. This type is very effective:

Best attached by "tinning" the cable end with solder, then hammering lug tab down into the inserted cable end, then finish soldering the joint solid. Bullet-proof!