GUARD 4438140 - Caterpillar

Grounding Practices
Proper grounding is necessary for optimum engine performance and reliability. Improper grounding will result in uncontrolled electrical circuit paths and in unreliable electrical circuit paths.Uncontrolled electrical circuit paths can result in damage to main bearings, to crankshaft bearing journal surfaces, and to aluminum components. Uncontrolled electrical circuit paths can also cause electrical activity that may degrade the engine electronics and communications.Ensure that all grounds are secure and free of corrosion.The engine alternator must be grounded to the negative "-" battery terminal. with a wire that is adequate to carry the full charging current of the alternator.For the starting motor, do not attach the battery negative terminal to the engine block.Ground the engine block with a ground strap that is furnished by the customer. Connect this ground strap to the ground plane.Use a separate ground strap to ground the battery negative terminal for the control system to the ground plane.If rubber couplings connect the steel piping of the cooling system and the radiator, the piping and the radiator can be electrically isolated. Ensure that the piping and the radiator are continuously grounded to the engine. Use ground straps that bypass the rubber couplings.