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BRETT72
X-TRAIL HOLIC
Date Registered: 10-2005
Location: Orange. NSW.
TOTAL POSTS: 1999
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Re: Poor vehicle earth/ground
I too was 'am' a sparky, so I'm not just following the path of others. I have researched this topic and believe that all grounding systems can be improved. I am not saying that it will give you any hp gains, but if you look in every x-trail or QR25 forum, there is a lot of this being done, with only minimal negative feedback.
If you look at the grounding points of the x-trail, in particular the engine bay, you will see that they are grounded directly to the chasis, through paint. It is my opinion (and we all have one), direct metal on metal is a MUCH better grounding contact. What about the main grounding point under the car. Mine had so much grit there it was unbelievable. In these instances, the standard contact relies on the connector screw or bolt to make contact with the metal. Also, when you consider the amount of vibrations in the engine bay, this contact cannot be all that constant.
I have measured some 'before' levels between various points, voltage drops etc and will endeavour to do another measurement when I get the car back next week.
As with EVERY aspect of modifications, or life in general, there is a 'FOR' side and an 'AGAINST' side. I am standing by my installations and the results I believe I am getting.
Last edited by BRETT72, 3/Mar/2006, 2:09 pm
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3/Mar/2006, 11:51 am
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duxbac
X-TRAIL ENTHUSIAST
Date Registered: 02-2004
TOTAL POSTS: 288
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Re: Poor vehicle earth/ground
Look i just for fun i ran my fluke meter around the exy with the pos lead jammed on the pos battery terminal and put the neg lead all around the body under the engine bay,all voltage readings are the same.I also ran a 100watt spotlight,one lead on the bat pos and used the other to touch all earhing spots and had a nice bright light,a bit of a rough test but,a little current pull,also very good..I also took off the earthing cable that is attached to the body near the right headlight.The screw was nice and shiny thus providing the earth,if you want to clean off the paint and make a larger surface for the crimp lug fine,a little bit of vaselene or zinc paint .You can run all these earths if you like and loop every thing up,it will do no harm,but i also believe,no gain.Just a quick observation,and my earths are great,according to the quick readings i took,for whats its worth.My headlights work well,all my circuits work well,and my engine idles like a turbine,very smooth,and does not surge on the highway at speed.Cheers,If you want to spend money on something,buy some chrome bits and get in competition with jalal,ha,ha
Last edited by duxbac, 3/Mar/2006, 4:21 pm
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3/Mar/2006, 4:11 pm
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Re: Poor vehicle earth/ground
Ray,
According to what you're saying, maybe we should change the subject of this thread to say "cosmetic mod" hahahaha  That way everyone will be happy 
There MUST be a reason why nearly everyone is giving this mod a positive feedback (apart from the looks)
After I read what you stated above, I'm now interested in trying this more than ever to see for myself.
I'm one of those guys that don’t believe, until they see LOL No offence to you of course.
I'm also not afraid to admit failure and waste of money for nothing and if this is the case, I will let you know that too.
Last edited by jalalski, 3/Mar/2006, 8:16 pm
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3/Mar/2006, 5:11 pm
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waky53
X-TRAIL ENTHUSIAST
Date Registered: 06-2005
Location: Barossa Valley
TOTAL POSTS: 286
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Re: Poor vehicle earth/ground
I too am an Electrician & was sceptical on reading the first reports, but having access to cable & lugs & crimper I gave it a go.
At first I thought I may be imagining the results, but I am sure the exy is now running smoother. I dont think I found the main earth point underneath everyone is mentioning. I just concentrated on extra earths to the engine area.
--- Regards Dave, X162 Oct 04 Series 2 ST
Mods Strut bar_Fuel cap holder_earth wires_No door beep_Bonnet Struts_TBS_bash plate_16" Alloys_Rear sway bar_ F&R fogs
High Range 4WD Club |
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3/Mar/2006, 8:12 pm
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Re: Poor vehicle earth/ground
Cool
With so many sparky's on our forum, I feel much safer already to do more wire cutting in my xtrail and yell out for help if I get in trouble. hehehehe
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4/Mar/2006, 7:13 am
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duxbac
X-TRAIL ENTHUSIAST
Date Registered: 02-2004
TOTAL POSTS: 288
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Re: Poor vehicle earth/ground
Hi,xtrailing,yes the headlight circuits appear to be light,but they are only designed for AD27 type globes ie 55/60 watts,which are the legal ones.All car companies spend the least amount of money on every thing ,including the wiring,and some engineer and accountant have sat down and worked this out.The looms are proberly made in china or mexico.After talking to the mechanics i know who service X-trails,their comment is the x-trail is not known for electrical problems.Anway if i was going to put on a extra earth,i would put one between the top of the engine to the earth firewall connection behind the right hand headlight.When i was in traralgon the other day i purchased at long last a petrol cap holder,hold your breath a whole $1.30.I should come out of retirement and go into business making up earth leads for exy/s.Cheers gents,buy more chrome.
Last edited by duxbac, 4/Mar/2006, 8:14 am
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4/Mar/2006, 7:59 am
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Re: Poor vehicle earth/grounding
Hi Guys,
During the international live chat last night, we have discussed the grounding kit mod in MUCH detail and after a lengthy debate we have all (many xtrailers worldwide) concluded that this is in no way a performance enhancement mod and more of a cosmetic one.
The only "questionable" improvements this mod gives is probably better head-light brightness, but this can also be achieved by cleaning the existing grounding points in your car.
This mod will therefore no longer be referred to as "performance mod" not on our forum at least, because it is indeed a myth as correctly mentioned by some in this thread.
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26/Mar/2006, 7:55 pm
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