Club 80-90 Forums

I need to replace a few connections on the under-dash earths as they have corroded loose and was wondering what ampage of connector I need to use? I really fall flat on the electrical side of things, and can't make head nor tail of the Haynes info!

Cheers

Tom

chuckle-bus-tom wrote:I need to replace a few connections on the under-dash earths as they have corroded loose and was wondering what ampage of connector I need to use?

Depends on what connectors you are replacing or modding.
First thing is DON'T use those blue "quick connectors" that splice into the wire when clamped together with pliers !
If using "Lucar" spades onto existing "star" earth points, you just use the same size as was on originally.
If using a fresh bolt onto a cleaned sound bit of bodywork, use the Yellow coloured "ring" connectors as available in most motor factors in bubble packs like these here =
http://www.csedistributors.com/acatalog ... ctors.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

These are fine for most 12V earth applications except for the really heavy stuff like battery / starter / big audio power amp / big inverter etc (that draw a large amount of power)

For connecting bits of wire together, use terminal block connectors rated at 15 Amps, that is plenty for lower power earth wires. Like these on ebay = http://tinyurl.com/yjn2tsx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Any further info required, just ask

chuckle-bus-tom wrote: and can't make head nor tail of the Haynes (ELECTRICAL DIAGRAMS) info!

You are not alone there !!

Your best bet is to buy a multi-pack of the various current capacity types. The main difference is simply the size of the shank aperture that you slide the wire into. You can't make a mistake really, the larger wires will not fit. They are usually available in 5A, 10A, 15A, etc, Any left over will always be useful. I solder mine and re-sleeve them but a proper crimping tool and a squirt of WD40 should suffice. Squashing them with pliers is not the best solution but OK as 'a get me out of a hole' fix.

Thanks guys, that answers the question! I have bought a multi back from Halfords so I should have enough. I'm replacing the spades that connect the brown wires to the earthing crowns. I have got a soldering gun ready to go!