Positive or negative earth........ two.

[Snadger]

Posted a question on an earlier thread which was slightly off topic .

Wondered why Morris, along with other manufacturers went from positive earth to negative earth

Got a reply off bmcecosse

There is NO advantage. -ve earth was proven to reduce rusting - so that's why it's universally used now. You should start a new thread for new questions.........

Just wondered how polarity would reduce rusting? Vaguely remember a bit about electrolisis at school and wonder whether that has something to do with it?

Could this be anyhting to do with why my floorpan is pure ferrous oxide!

Still think I'll stick with +'ve earth and originality though.

[lambrettalad]

without getting too techy at 10.53
its to do with LEO says GER
LOSE OF ELECTRONS =OXIDATION
GAIN OF ELECTRONS =REDUCTION

RUST is iron oxide ,mostly type 2? without looking it up ferrous

so it's to do with electron flow

[mike.perry]

Could not have put it better myself. Basically you get less crud building up on the switch terminals with neg earth

[Snadger]

Are their ANY positives (sic) to be gained by sticking with positive earth though, apart from originality of course?

[bmcecosse]

No. Change it to -ve earth.

[smithskids]

My 1935 morris 8 is negative earth and its still going without any problems. I can remember my father going on about electron transfer and spark plug wear.

[Snadger]

No. Change it to -ve earth.

Nah..........staying positive! Done a bit of research on google and it appears its mainly because of standardisation. Don't intend adding a radio , so shouldn't be problem.