Changing 67 427/400 HP Negative Battery Cable

[Stephen G.]

I'm trying to replace my negative battery cable. It seems that there is not enought clearance to unthread the bolt completely from the block. It hits the firewall before it can be completely removed.

Has anyone else encountered this situation?

[Stephen L.]

Re: Changing 67 427/400 HP Negative Battery Cable

On a 427-400 no A/C car the negative cable is attached using the vertical starter attaching bolt. There should not be a clearance problem.

On a 427-400 A/C car the negative cable should be attached to the bellhousing bolt located on the lower left corner of the housing/block. That bolt would typically be about 1.5 inch length. If it's longer you may have an incorrect bolt in this location. How much clearance do you have at this location?

My 427-390 has about 5" clearance at the bottom bolt whereas the one above has about 1"+. Sounds like your battery cable was attached to the wrong bolt while the engine was out or body off..... not good.

[Stephen G.]

Re: Changing 67 427/400 HP Negative Battery Cable

I forgot to mention A/C. I think the installed bolt is too long. Just drove the car to work so when it cools down I'll take a measurement.

Thanks

[Stephen G.]

Re: Changing 67 427/400 HP Negative Battery Cable

Stephen

Its hard to get in there but it seems like 1/2 to 3/4 inch from the bolt head to the firewall..But it's on the top left bolt of the bell housing..Around the 11 o'clock posistion

[Stephen L.]

Re: Changing 67 427/400 HP Negative Battery Cable

Look at your AIM for the proper location of the negative battery cable connection to the block. (Its under the C60 UPC)
It definitely ISN'T at the eleven oclock position.
Determine if yours is correct.
Send/post a photo of the bolt area for further review

Now how to remove the bolt....
If there isn't sufficient clearance about all you can do is:
1) put a hole in the glass...definitely NOT a good idea!!!
2) Cut the bolt off after loosening (probably very difficult in the confined space)
3) Move the engine to gain clearance.

I'd choose #3.... lots of work but.... the least damage

[William C.]

Re: Changing 67 427/400 HP Negative Battery Cable

If you drop the rear trans mount, and loosen the exhaust at the manifolds you MAY be able to tilt the engine down enough to gain the clearance you need.

[Stephen G.]

Re: Changing 67 427/400 HP Negative Battery Cable

I'll check the AIM. If it is in the wrong palce then it's easy. Back out the bolt some and cut the lug off. I need to replace the cable as the original spring clip at the battery was replaced with a aftermarket clamp by the original owner years ago.