Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

I'm getting ready to 'borrow' the oil filter off my '41 limo and move it over to the '50 sedan (both engines are 356 post war). Gazing under the hood, I find that the previous owner has connected the battery ground to one of the bolts that should hold the oil filter. This leads to two questions:

1. Where should the ground be attached? I've looked at all the illustration plates in the parts manual and can't find an example. I've looked at all the photos of engine compartments I can find, and in all of them... the battery cable just sort of disappears out of view.

2. Since I will probably have to replace the cable to get to wherever it's supposed to be attached, should it be a braided ribbon cable or an insulated copper cable? The two major vendors seem to offer different products as replacements.

I believe the originals were braided that attached to the block. I belive on the 51-54 motors the cable connected to a water pump bolt not sure if the 50's are the same or not.

EDITED: Originally suggested braided as being correct, but that appears to have been proved wrong.

My 47 was connected on one of bolts holding generator bracket to block as does this 50 wiring diagram show however.

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I'm fairly confident that the braided naked flat cable is not correct for the 22nd-23rd series cars. My memory of original and unmolested 22-23 series cars is that the cable is round, insulated, probably "0" gauge, and attaches to the rearmost generator mounting bracket bolt (not the pivot bolt, but the one that holds the bracket to the block).

Owen_Dyneto, I believe you are correct about the wire as this pict from the ignition training book shows. Obviously my 47 has been modified during a past life.

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My '47 with the 356" engine is hooked up as illustrated as aell.

Well I stand corrected. I guess the 51-54 (or at least the 54) years are different in that respect.

That's what I get for making assumptions!!!

Gents, Thanks. That's just what I needed. Now, off to NAPA for a new cable. I really appreciate the help.