alternator ground bolt not connected to anything?

[Lv1G6He3V2]

Something that's puzzled me is the alternator's bolt, labeled GND, has no wire attached. I bought the truck used, and it runs fine. This wire is required on GM trucks, right? Maybe someone mistakenly ran a different ground cable to another part of the engine, and it happens to conduct electricity to the alternator's case. Where should I start looking? What type of wire am I looking for, the flat uninsulated cable or...?

 

I'll be replacing the stock alternator with a 200+ amp unit for various reasons. This seems like a good time to get the wiring right. Also any advice on which cables/fuses/relays might need to be replaced with higher capacity stuff would be appreciated. I've read that it's a good idea to do the "big 3" if the alternator is upgraded. Appropriate-gauge stranded cable from the local hardware store will work, right?

[holty]

I know exactly what you're referring to and nothing is supposed to be connected their. Actually, i'm not even sure why its labeled as a "GRND" as its not really a good ground, if i remember correctly that entire bracket is aluminum, not steel.

[Doug_Scott]

I know exactly what you're referring to and nothing is supposed to be connected their. Actually, i'm not even sure why its labeled as a "GRND" as its not really a good ground, if i remember correctly that entire bracket is aluminum, not steel.

 

 

I think you will find that it is marked ground to help you locate a safe spot to attach the negative lead on booster cables.

Aluminum is a good conducter. Houses built in the 70s and early 80s were built using aluminum wiring.

[holty]

I know exactly what you're referring to and nothing is supposed to be connected their. Actually, i'm not even sure why its labeled as a "GRND" as its not really a good ground, if i remember correctly that entire bracket is aluminum, not steel.

 

 

I think you will find that it is marked ground to help you locate a safe spot to attach the negative lead on booster cables.

Aluminum is a good conducter. Houses built in the 70s and early 80s were built using aluminum wiring.

 

 

Well, I should have been more clear, painted aluminum is not a good ground. I have tried using that ground to connect my battery tender on my '03 and its not a good ground in my experience.

[Wolfmanjohn]

Doug hit it right, and that bolt should not be painted.