Where to ground the battery?

[stack75]

I have a 1964 Evinrude 40 HP Big Twin with an electric start. The 2 wiring harnesses' terminal ends from ignition switch to outboard via stern mounted solenoid have been cut. I'm trying to figure out how to rewire using connectors,etc. BUT, how do you ground the negative terminal in the boat or is it even required?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Where to ground the battery?

I have a 1964 Evinrude 40 HP Big Twin with an electric start. The 2 wiring harnesses' terminal ends from ignition switch to outboard via stern mounted solenoid have been cut. I'm trying to figure out how to rewire using connectors,etc. BUT, how do you ground the negative terminal in the boat or is it even required?

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,.... The Negative terminal of the battery is grounded to the block of the motor,...

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Where to ground the battery?

The negative terminal of the battery is the SINGLE ground point for the boat. A ground buss at the helm, the engine block, and any individual ground wires for accessories that are not connected to a ground buss are connected to the negative terminal of the battery. Current to and from any device must have a complete path from the positive terminal of the battery back to the negative.

 

[tav]

Re: Where to ground the battery?

the fuse panal (if he has one) has a positive and neg. connection.....that should work for him right?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Where to ground the battery?

Actually -- "Where to ground the battery" is a bad way to state the question. Where to ground the engine and accessories would be a better way to put that but I understand (I think). Again -- the negative terminal of the battery IS ground for the boat, the engine, all accessories and any negative busses in the boat. If there is a negative buss at the helm AND it is connected to the negative post of the battery, yes that is a viable ground point. But it would NOT be a ground point for the engine electrics. The large battery cable between the negative post on the battery and the engine block provides that function.