Someone mentioned the chassis ground in a recent thread. Where might I find this ground on a newer MB?
No takers on this?
Hey Greg,
On the RB, the chassis ground was on the main chassis frame near the battery bay/box and generator. This is where all the action is.
Just look for a wire loom coming away from the battery/electrical/generator set up (fuses, breakers...etc). That should get you on your back and in the shade.
Follow along toward the rear of the frame. The grounds are in the open and terminate on the frame. The wires are not painted or covered where they connect.
Here are shots of what the RB looks like down below.
Kent
Hi Greg; Technically the chassis ground is just that. Anywhere on the chassis is ground by definition. Steel isn't a great conductor, but since there is so much of it, it can be used to advantage. On my motorhome the engine is connected to the chassis near the battery, from near the alternator, and provides the return for the alternator, starter and fuse panel.
The house battery box usually has a cable to chassis near it, and grounds the power distribution box. (fuses, branch circuits, converter and circuit breakers). The connection underneath to the chassis would look something like this threads pictures: Where’s is ground wire for battery in TK model? (https://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?topic=31471.msg185111#gallery_185122-3)
So my question is 'why do you care' I haven't touched mine in 21 years; looks the same as it did originally. (well a lot dirtier) RonB
Ah, Kent answered before I finished my post, with great pictures......
"Anywhere on the chassis is ground..." Quote, RONB
The term 'ground' can be confusing to basic electronic level students. I know, I used to teach that stuff! ::)
Perhaps the Wikipedia link below will help clear the fog!
Ground - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground_)(electricity)
Thanks all! I think I found the ground where it comes out of the bottom of the battery box. One wire goes directly to the frame and the other goes forward towards the engine. Not sure what that one is, perhaps a charging wire?
I also found a drain hose that looks to be coming from the battery box. What is that for?
Hi Steve; yeah, sorry about that. Ground as in 'common electrical return point'. Just a convention used for electrical speak. Way 'back when', some cars had positive grounds, and the negative side of the battery was the 'hot' lead. And batteries were usually 6 volts. Of course it's not a negative ground, just ground. Computers and other electronic systems have signal grounds, some have many isolated 'grounds' only slightly referenced to each other. RonB
Hi Greg, That hose comes from the drip tray under the fins in your refrigerator. It allows condensate to drip on the ground (real dirt) under the motorhome. Mine has a plug with just a tiny hole, so that warm air can't easily penetrate back up into your 'fridge. RonB
"Way 'back when', some cars had positive grounds..."
Wow, you are really dating yourself!
I learned to drive in my Dad's '31 Model 'A' Roadster, rumble seat, rag top, and the choke under the dash board on the passenger side. It used to be thought funny to pull out that rod and bend it 90°. :'( >:( Ah, the good old days!
Way 'back when', some cars had positive grounds, and the negative side of the battery was the 'hot' lead.
The 1st car I bought by myself was a ‘59 MGA that had positive ground and dual 6 volt batteries. I paid a whole $150 for it and converted it to negative ground and a single 12 volt battery. It was a fun car to drive but took some work to keep it running. British cars are like that 😉
- John
"Mine has a plug with just a tiny hole, so that warm air can't easily penetrate back up into your 'fridge."
Or insects. :-)
John R.... all you need for a 1952 MG TD is a screwdriver and a nail file. And HOW do you start a 1952 MG?? I asked that question on our local car club FB and NO ONE answered!!! HAHAHAHA. This one particular car was converted to 12 v before we bought over 50 years ago.
"Mine has a plug with just a tiny hole, so that warm air can't easily penetrate back up into your 'fridge."
Or insects. :-)
I’ll have to see if there is something in my misc. junk in the garage I can use to plug up the hose. I would have never thought of that, thanks!
I’ll have to see if there is something in my misc. junk in the garage I can use to plug up the hose. I would have never thought of that, thanks!
Well, I found something to plug the hole. The nice thing is, it already had a hole in it!