Engine ground washer

[Johnjackbogart]

I am replacing my battery cables and when I was doing the battery post to engine ground, I lost the washer that goes between the nut and the engine. It looks like a washer with some teeth. Problem is I don’t know where to look to find a replacement, because I don’t know what it’s called. Also, anyone know if that goes in between the cable and the nut that holds it down? Or does it go between the cable and the engine. I’m new to this, all help is appreciated

 

[ihc1470]

Star washer. They can be internal or external just depends where you want the teeth. I would look at the cable and block to see where the teeth marks are. Probable does not make much difference but I would go between block and cable.

 

[Clb]

Traditional use is under the fastener to keep it from loosening, not under the item to be fastened.
Unless it was used as a spacer.
Grounds should be clean and tight , also apply dielectric grease to the interface, and locktite the threads...

 

[nelstomlinson]

The washer is nice, not necessary. You want clean bare metal tightly clamped to clean bare metal, with a thin schmeer of dielectric grease between, just as clb said. Shine'em up with a bit of coarse sandpaper and bolt'em together.

 

[IDIBOBS]

So everyone learns and I think it’s great BUT if you’re asking this question I’m not sure you should be messing with electrical. Most people don’t realize most vehicle fires are from bad wiring. You’re replacing battery cables but you had to make a post about a single washer? Again not trying to be mean or rude but dc electrical can kill you or burn your truck to the ground. Please please know what you’re doing before messing with it.

 

[miked]

I have seen the star washer between the frame and cable. Thought it may be to bite into the frame to maintain better electrical contact

 

[nelstomlinson]

When the electricians bolt the cables to the paddles on 1200 Amp switch gear, and in the transformer that feeds it, they clamp clean bare metal to clean bare metal. No dielectric grease, but that's not exposed to the weather.

 

[onetonjohn]

If you gotta slather something on there, you want to use CONDUCTIVE electrical grease and NOT dielectric grease. Dielectric grease is an insulator.