71 Wag Electrical & Neg earth???

[GT71Wagoneer]

Hi people,

I am a new owner of a 71 Wag 4 door with a PTO winch, recon 258 cubes and dual fuel.

Just having some electrical work done and while going through the Hayes manual, I think it is showing a pic for a jump start or booster start that the Neg leed of a boosting battery must be grounded on the chassis!!! Am I close??

Can some one explain a bit more regarding the basic electrical set up of this Truck please.

Like how it works.

Cheers guys and gals GT67

[jeepbob]

Sounds like a neat truck, good find. The method shown by Haynes is the safest method for jumping and negative ground rig. This is done to prevent sparks at the battery which could have explosive consequences. It seems the Hydrogen emmitted by batterys has a nasty tendency to ignite very easily, think Hindenburg here.
The electrical system on the early rigs like yours is extremely primative. All fuses are inline coming off the ign switch. There is no fuse panel. Kaiser also liked fabric coated wire in places. Kaisers electrical engineer must been my brother as he cobbled things up the same way as my brother does. The good thing is that the system is simple and a fuse panel can be added. I have done this on my 65 Wag that had the same system.

[Tad]

That is the "proper" method of jumping.

[chrisnsarah]

Make sure that chassis connection is the LAST connection you make when you hook up jumpers. It should be the first one you remove too.

Haven't run into any cloth wiring on my early truck, but I sure like way they spread all the fuses out. I'llbet the dealership service bay was busy in those days.

[GT71Wagoneer]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by jeepbob:
Sounds like a neat truck, good find. The method shown by Haynes is the safest method for jumping and negative ground rig. This is done to prevent sparks at the battery which could have explosive consequences. It seems the Hydrogen emmitted by batterys has a nasty tendency to ignite very easily, think Hindenburg here.
The electrical system on the early rigs like yours is extremely primative. All fuses are inline coming off the ign switch. There is no fuse panel. Kaiser also liked fabric coated wire in places. Kaisers electrical engineer must been my brother as he cobbled things up the same way as my brother does. The good thing is that the system is simple and a fuse panel can be added. I have done this on my 65 Wag that had the same system.<hr></blockquote>

Jeepbob and Tadsal,
Thanks guys for your help, I will be giving the elcetrical system a complete overhaul as soon as I can afford it and a fuse panel sounds like very smart idea.

So the neg jumper being placed on the chassis is taking away possable battery spark and earthing the whole chassis and body, reducing risk::

Even though you can jump the battery as per normal it is advised not too....

Cool I think I have it.

Cheers and by the way the 71 Wag cost me $3000.00 Aus $1500 Usd and tghe body is very tired and has been used as a workhourse around a farm while being an every day driver, Our local USA 4wd shop owner and service guy have spoken very possitivly about the rig. I feeel better with their comments and yours smile.gif

smile.gif )