[prkaye]

My mag post has this brown plastic/composite washer. Should my terminal go on top of this washer? Why is it there? why would you want to INSULATE the terminal from the base of the post?

 

[Mel]

This composite washer is what isolates the "P" lead from ground. Without it, your "P" lead would be grounded, placing the mag in the off position continuously.

 

[prkaye]

So that threaded post is not electrically connected to that big metal hex-shaped surface below it?

 

[Mel]

So that threaded post is not electrically connected to that big metal hex-shaped surface below it?

That's correct!

 

[prkaye]

Thanks Mel!
As always, the community on this forum really helps make amateur-building the educational endeavour that it should be!

 

[Brantel]

Yep that stud that sticks out of the center is actually insulated from the big hex part by a glass insulator.

If you over torque the P-lead nut, you can crack that glass insulator.