TUBE 7W6721 - Caterpillar

Grounding Practices
Proper grounding for the engine electrical system 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.Engines that are installed without engine-to-frame ground straps can be damaged by electrical discharge.To ensure that the engine and the engine electrical systems function properly, an engine-to-frame ground strap with a direct path to the battery must be used. This path may be provided by way of a starting motor ground, a starting motor ground to the frame, or a direct engine ground to the frame.All grounds should be tight and free of corrosion. The engine alternator must be grounded to the negative "-" battery terminal with a wire that is adequate to handle the full charging current of the alternator.