Technical engine earth

[le cloropois]

Does anyone know if a 1985 Ducato 2.5D should have an earth braid between engine & body?

The - cable from battery goes to a bolt in the inner wing and from there to the starter. Does this do the same thing?

Thanks.

 

[CDK]

Yes!

 

[le cloropois]

Erm, do you mean yes, the battery cable does the same thing, or yes, there should be a separate earth braid between engine & body?

 

[Deefordog]

Either way, it won't do any harm to fit an extra one.

 

[CDK]

In '85 a few manufacturers still used cables to transport electricity, nowadays the keyword is 'cheap'. By using the chassis as a negative wire you save a few cents.
Your van certainly has the negative wire tied to the chassis somewhere.