Exhaust ground wire? [Merged 3-7] strap copper braid

[Defiant]

Although the only thing that makes sense out here is that it's a ground for the oxygen sensor, that strap on the exhaust pipe is a ground for radio interference. No, I have no idea how the exhaust is supposed to generate static. But apparently someone, somewhere did.

Oxy sensors carry a grounding wire in their circuitry- they don't count on the exhaust as a ground path.

 

[DSMunknown]

Although the only thing that makes sense out here is that it's a ground for the oxygen sensor, that strap on the exhaust pipe is a ground for radio interference. No, I have no idea how the exhaust is supposed to generate static. But apparently someone, somewhere did.

Oxy sensors carry a grounding wire in their circuitry- they don't count on the exhaust as a ground path.

That's an interesting bit of info about the sensors. Will keep this in mind.

As you have said in the past (probably more than most can count), the "grounding" strap that connects to the catalytic converter (or more accurately, the heat sheild) is to supress noise or some sort of radio disruption.

However, I have to agree with the post below more.

It actually connects to the heat sheild around the exhaust if I remember correctly. It's just there to absorb any electrostatic charge present in that part of the exhaust system. It doesn't really do anything useful, and I kind of wonder why they bothered to put it there.

I was searching around, and found this little interesting link that seems to support the notion that the straps which connect to the exhaust system are actual grounding straps, and thus are there to "offset" any positive charges that may be present within the exhaust system.

 

[95 'clipse RS]

so could this be related to my car warmin up and sputtering when the throttle is in a constant position?

 

[DSMunknown]

After getting my DSM CD Manual a few weeks ago, I decided to look up this issue. Here are a few photos I found useful in helping make my argument.



Link 1
Link 2
Link 3
Link 4
Link 5



BTW I tried to fix the little inconsistancies in the photos linked above. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has experiece with these on their CDs.

I also read through the section discussing the "main" function of these grounding straps. But I think the discussion has changed. The argument is now something like "What do these grounding straps do - reduce radio/noise disruption or something else?" I believe these grounding straps, whatever their primary purpose, also serve a secondary purpose (and a more important function IMO).

As it is stated in the CD Manual, the primary purpose is to reduce radio interference. But the link I posted above seems to support the theory that these grounding straps also create grounding points for the exhaust gases which create small (even minute) positive eletrical charges.

Thus, if what I say is true, the newbies are (at least, partially) correct in assuming these straps are for grounding purposes. They are pounced on and told these straps are definately not for any type of grounding purpose, but I'm not so sure that is the case.

 

[Defiant]

BTW I tried to fix the little inconsistancies in the photos linked above. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has experiece with these on their CDs.

Yeh. The scanning on Vineet's CD, and all the pirated versions from eBay are not top-line.

If you're still using Acrobat, delete it and get Foxit. It's still sucking PDF, but at least you don't have to wait the ten minutes for Adobe to tell you who swept the floor at the development quonset.

As it is stated in the CD Manual, the primary purpose is to reduce radio interference. But the link I posted above seems to support the theory that these grounding straps also create grounding points for the exhaust gases which create small (even minute) positive eletrical charges.

Thus, if what I say is true, the newbies are (at least, partially) correct in assuming these straps are for grounding purposes. They are pounced on and told these straps are definately not for any type of grounding purpose, but I'm not so sure that is the case.

So, if the lightning storm in the exhaust wasn't grounded out, it might make noise over the radio? I think it's a distinction without a difference. There's what, two or three capacitors in the DSM loom that are there for noise suppression. Perhaps they're also to prevent enough "noise" that might otherwise affect the ECU?

 

[cfisher]

I have had this strap off for almost 3 years now and have always had a CEL for o2 sensor heater circuit malfunction. I will attach it back on and see if it makes a difference. I really doubt it!

 

[DSMunknown]

Wanted to post these photos up somewhere before I forgot (again). When my upgraded exhaust system is installed, this will be gone (because it will be too short for that particular placement), but I certainly plan on installing another grounding wire (or two).

LINK 1
LINK 2
LINK 3

The point in posting these photos up is to show that one does not need to stick with the old grounding strap. There's nothing special about it. I would disagree with kmoore in his install guide seen here. He basically tells you to reuse the old strap. I would suggest "upgrading" (as silly as it may sound) to a larger wire gauge. I used some of the 4-gauge wire that was left over after brewing up a home-made grounding kit.

On a side note, I will suggest adding another grounding point close to the turbine housing. I plan on adding the second exhaust grounding strap right on the DP flange (the flange that attaches to the O2 housing). I'm sure I can find another random screw on the body I can utilize as the corresponding grounding point without much issue.

 

[Dsmj89]

Sorry to bring up an old thread, i wanted to know what was the gauge of the wire you used for that grounding strap you made dsmunknown ? I'm looking to make one for my car as well just like yours.
Thanks.

 

[knochgoon24]

Sorry to bring up an old thread, i wanted to know what was the gauge of the wire you used for that grounding strap you made dsmunknown ? I'm looking to make one for my car as well just like yours.
Thanks.

...I used some of the 4-gauge wire that was left over after brewing up a home-made grounding kit....

Yep. Looks like 4ga.

 

[InFlames]

Im the OP, over 7 years ago! I think I ended up just wrapping the ground wire around an exhaust hanger.

 

[ramsack]

here's a theory...i remember reading that exhaust creates a static charge when it exits due to just friction and there is also carbon in the exhaust usually which doesn't help. maybe it is there to keep arcs out in case of a fuel leak or when the pump handle grounds at the gas station. our o2 sensors are 4-wire and 2 of those wires are grounds, so i don't see any point to the ground strap other than noise removal (ignition) or static charge removal. i just had my downpipe repaired and the exhaust dude just let the wire hang, and my mpg did get worse, but i ALSO put new tie rod ends on and didn't get it aligned properly yet because i'm waiting to buy wheel bearings. i can feel a definite decceleratorion type drag on the car when i let off the gas even in neutral going down a slight hill.

 

[crazyboy81]

Mine ripped when I dropped my cat. When I decided today to put my cat and other header back on I just split the ribbon, tucked under bolt, tightened up. All fixed. Running a 4ga wire is overkill.