1961 Grounds at Valve Covers

[Art B.]

Some basic questions on the grounds attached to the valve covers on a base (230hp) engine. On the passenger side there are two ground wires, one from the wiper motor base and the other from the radio. They attach to the upper rear valve cover bolt. On the drivers side there is one black with white stripe wire that goes to the main harness. It attaches to the upper rear valve cover bolt. It this correct? Should the ring terminals at the valve covers be above or below the spacers (spreaders) on the bolts. I have heard stories of bad grounds due to paint on the valve covers and spacers.

[Richard M.]

Re: 1961 Grounds at Valve Covers

Some basic questions on the grounds attached to the valve covers on a base (230hp) engine. On the passenger side there are two ground wires, one from the wiper motor base and the other from the radio. They attach to the upper rear valve cover bolt. On the drivers side there is one black with white stripe wire that goes to the main harness.

It attaches to the upper rear valve cover bolt. It this correct? YES

Should the ring terminals at the valve covers be above or below the spacers (spreaders) on the bolts. I have heard stories of bad grounds due to paint on the valve covers and spacers.

Above the reinforcements(spacers). The heel of the cover bolt will be sufficient and the threads will bite into the head for a good connection. Just make sure the bolt head heel is clean as are the threads. You could add a internal tooth washer under the bolt head for a better connection, but not for judging.

Rich

[Art B.]

Re: 1961 Grounds at Valve Covers

Thanks, Rich.
The AIM, ST-12 and judging manual do not provide full info on these little details. Plus it has been awhile since I judged another C1.

Art