Subaru needing multiple ground straps...

This "collective" probably doesn't have much experience with this particular problem.

I have. Subarus are VERY sensitive to voltage drop in their wiring. I really don't know why this is. Adding extra PROPER grounding is a good thing. Use star washers, bare metal, then paint or cover over the connections in some way.

I went through a BUNCH of voltage regulators on my 98 Legacy GT until I added the extra grounding. I don't know if it was a bad batch of regulators(all alternators came from the same local auto electric shop, they were all under warranty). I don't know if maybe there were corroded connections or wires somewhere in my system.

I do know that the problems stopped after I added the extra grounding.

Great Danny,

What Danny said about using a "star Washer"  UNDER each terminal is very important.

I don't paint mine because I want to see if corrosion is "growing" at the connection but this is my decision. Painting is a choice but the star washer in not. For those of you who may not be familiar with a star washer. It's those that have "teeth" on the outside and inside edges and those "teeth" are twisted at a 45 degree angle so that they bite into the metal of the grounding surface and the terminal when tightened.  They also help to keep the terminal lug from twisting when you tighten or loosen the nut or screw.  A nifty, useful and important little device !  Remember !  UNDER the terminal ! Not under the nut/screw !  It is not really a "lock washer" !...................Bruce

"It is not really a "lock washer" !...................Bruce"

I believe the technical term is "paint digger into-er thingy"

my buddys 36 custom Ford($60K) was hesitant to start when warm...he found a tiny ground strap,,replaced it with a 2" strap and it starts every time..

Do any of you guys know what ground strap(s) comes "stock" from SE Beck ? Thanks

@Lane Anderson posted:

"It is not really a "lock washer" !...................Bruce"

I believe the technical term is "paint digger into-er thingy"

Everything is a "thingy" with this guy...

When the only tool you have is a hammer everything looks like a nail.

@barncobob posted:

my buddys 36 custom Ford($60K) was hesitant to start when warm...he found a tiny ground strap,,replaced it with a 2" strap and it starts every time..

It's good to be well grounded but I am adding ground straps myself

@DannyP posted:

Everything is a "thingy" with this guy...

is this the little brass thingy U guys are always looking for but never find..

@IaM-Ray posted:

It's good to be well grounded but I am adding ground straps myself

Funny, but when we used to build research electronics, we had to wear grounding straps around our wrists. Brought back some memories 😃

@Lane Anderson posted:

When the only tool you have is a hammer everything looks like a nail.

I know a guy like that. He has other tools, but the hammer is the only one he uses.

@Michael Pickett posted:

Funny, but when we used to build research electronics, we had to wear grounding straps around our wrists. Brought back some memories 😃

I still have a strap, cord, and mat in my electronics stuff. I still occasionally use it, too.

Like when I built my ECU...

I used to use a strap now I ground myself to the frame or anything before doing any electronic tech stuff.

We use the factory Subaru grounds at the engine and a chassis ground, which the harness shares and have never had an issue.  We also grind the powdercoat off of the bottom of the alternator stand and adjuster so they have a metal to metal contact on the block.  Finally we DO NOT use the aftermarket chrome alternators as I have seen many grounding issues with them and new OEM stock just works.

@chines1 posted:

.... finally we DO NOT use the aftermarket chrome alternators as I have seen many grounding issues with them and new OEM stock just works.

CHROME don't get you home!

Took me years to realize that working on Harley's with aftermarket chrome plated assesories

@chines1 wrote: "Finally, we DO NOT use the aftermarket chrome alternators as I have seen many grounding issues with them and new OEM stock just works."

Well, that's because Chromium is NOT a good conductor of electricity.  If you expect a chromed alternator/generator to make a ground connection through the base mounting tabs, it's like putting a big honkin' resistor in the circuit between the alternator and ground.  

"Chrome won't get you home" has a lot of truth in it.

https://lunarpedia.org/w/Electrical_Conductors

Don't worry, I got this.

me id put JB Weld over the screws so they dont wiggle out

Baaaaaaa, good one Michael.