Reconnecting all wires and grounds to block.pls help.

[Kloose]

I will try to keep it short and sane. I am not a mechanic WHATSOEVER, but, I am almost complete with my engine overhaul.

I was not present when all wires(each with its own unique fitting) and grounds were removed but I am having to reconnect all of them on my own.

Some are very easy to see how they lay across the motor while particularly the alternator side of the engine has quite a few loose ends that I have yet to locate.

I also want to make sure that I am laying these wires back into their original positions as possible. I dont expect perfect I just dont want wires being tangled or strained if they dont have to.

If any of you understand what I am trying to explain and know how to help it would be greatly appreciated.

Ive been without my Van for almost 6 months now and all I want is to get out of this clunky loaner car I have.

[redfury]

easiest way would be to look at where the ground MOUNTS are, and go from there. A factory service manual will show you where all the factory ground mounting locations are, so if you get stuck somewhere, let us know and one of us will be able to post a picture showing where it should go and make sure you got all the grounds connected.

This is why it's important to document your work for large projects with pictures and drawings...but hey, hindsight...right?

Getting them all right again will be helped if you put the ground strap bolts back into place when you pulled them...empty bolt or stud/nut location means you should have a ground or something mounted to it.

[paulbot]

It would help if you'd give us the year of your van, too.

[Kloose]

Sorry guys. it is a 1996 GMC safari 4.3l base model. Today I DID get quite a few more of the wires and grounds connected.

Right now I am trying to find info on properly re fitting the ac hose back atop the AC compressor. The metal o rings with the rubber throats are still on the fitting but when I tighten it down, it appears as if there is a gap where the fitting meets the top of the ac. .

[paulbot]

My 2000's Delphi compressor came with new seals for the twin hoses, that bolted up with 1 bolt for the pair IIRC, and did have a gap after assembling.

[Lumpy]

A ground is a ground is a ground.

If the wire in your hand is a known ground wire, it wouldn't matter if it's connected to THIS bolt to the block or to THAT bolt to the block.

FSM with electrical supplement is an absolute requirement when doing any electrical wiring. I'd think it's an absolute requirement when overhauling an engine as well.

Photos as you take it apart. Hundreds of photos.

Blue tape or some other clearly obvious way of marking anything you disconnect. Put tape on the wire, tape on the connection. Label them both with "1001AX300B" or "Phuk-A-Doodle" or "ALT BRACKET" or whatever. I use blue tape so that when I look at the finished project, if I see any blue tape still showing I'll know there's something left to re-connect.


Lump