200tdi earth points

Had the Disco offroad for its first adventure and to be frank it was too optimistic a test in terrible conditions (Newtonhill Country Sports in Wormit with my Club, Tay 4 x 4). The car had lain for 3 years and although initially driving well after collection with brakes freed up, steering & diff guards fitted I had a few mishaps on the hill, pretty worn BFG A/T's did not help. Got stuck in a deep rut which left the car leaning well over to the left, failed to start and when trying smoke came pouring out of the handbrake lever position and some more from under the bonnet. We pulled her out and when investigating found the battery had moved to the left and the +ve terminal was in contact with the body. The handbrake cable had ended up acting as an earth ! the outer cable melting was the cause of the smoke it kinda semi jammed the handbrake on but we managed to bump start it with a tow from my son's Defender. Apart from the obvious battery securing, can anyone let me know exactly where the earth points are on a 200tdi ? The one from the -ve battery lead to the upper inner wing I have found, the lads were saying that there should be one from the gearbox to the chassis ? have not had a chance to check it out as I'm now offshore, that could have been damaged offroad resulting in the handbrake cable earthing prob ?

I think the bulkhead on the passenger side is the location of the engine earth, but it may vary with engine type.

You could run a 50mm welding cable earth to the block directly from the battery, but you need to make sure the earth point by the battery is still connected for the electrics elsewhere.

Peter

Had a look today, the earth link from the negative battery lead that goes to the upper inner wing was shot so I have re-routed it to a more stronger point. Earth strap from starter motor looks intact. Handbrake cable definately fried, see pic in Disco 1 album. Still no joy however, could be a damaged starter motor, see link to video D1 Starter Motor - YouTube Cheers - Gav