Ground strap

[Alan Lindquist]

I think my ground strap is in the wrong place. 1980 SC

It is attached to the trans mount cradle bolt (one of four) and the chassis pan. Is there a better path?

I'm not having electrical problems but the alternator light stays lit upon startup until I goose the throttle to 1500 RPM.

[scotricker]

I think that's where it goes. It's there on my 78. from the trans to the body shell.
You could be sure the contact surfaces are clean, just to be sure it's ok.

[stevej37]

That is the correct place...where mine is anyways. Is the alternator the original one? If so, probably will need to replace.

[Alan Lindquist]

Alternator replaced in the last 18 months. I was told by a good Porsche mechanic that he wouldn't worry as long as it goes out. "They do that sometimes."

I have a lot of oil under the car and the strap was crapped up so I pulled it and cleaned it and assured the contact points. Can't hurt.

[kodioneill]

I've seen many a alternator light not go out until you rev the engine but I would check the belt and tension.

[pete3799]

Not right........Should be attached to one of the bottom trans. bolts (passenger side) then over the trans. mount and to the chassis.

[pete3799]

[Alan Lindquist]

That makes more sense. I had the trans out several years ago for a rebuild on first and second gear synchros. I must have bolted the cradle yolk mount back on and THEN decided to run the strap from a bolt UNDER the mount instead of between the trans and the mount. Is that what I'm seeing in the photo? The strap is between the trans and the mount?

If that's the case it shouldn't be too hard to fix. Get the car up on ramps, jackstand the trans, drop the mount, re-run the strap and bolt the trans mount back up.

Thanks.

[pete3799]

1/4 inch drive, swivel, and long extension. Go in above the trans. mount (not easily accessible).
When i bought my car the ground was as you have it now. Car suffered from intermittent starting. Acted like a dead battery. Found that the ground was bolted one of the 4 trans. mount bolts. Moved it and have had no problem since.

[RWebb]

I'm curious why the trans. mount in your pic looks like it is made of carbon fiber (part next to the nuts)?

[pete3799]

Don't know.
Not my picture.......found it on a search.

[Flat6Heaven]

My mount has that same sort of waffle finish on both sides. Not carbon fibre, just the factory finish.

[Driver_X]

That's normal operation for an alternator.