Series 3 Electrical nightmare

Hi everyone
this is my first post on here but I used to belong to the LROI Forum which was a huge help in the long running rebuild of my SWB 2.25 Petrol. Looking through the Forum it looks like Land Rover expertise is alive and kicking on here.

I thought the electrics would be a challenge but I didn't know quite how much. I finally got all the electrics working except the starter motor. I changed it for a reconditioned unit, replaced the solenoid and the positive cable between the two. But as soon as I turn the key the solenoid clicks, the heater motor runs continuously and the washer motor and wipers don't work. On top of that the heater control cable from the dash to the water valve on the front of the engine gets very hot. Oh! and the starter doesn't turn over.

The control cable isn't touching any wire/s so it is baffling why it would get hot. I have checked and rechecked the wires and they all seem to be in the right place. The problem seems to stem from the starter motor because when it is disconnected everything works OK.

Is it possible that the starter motor positive and negative connections have been reversed? Would that cause the problems that I have? Any help you can give me might stop me losing more hair. Thanks.

Sounds like you have a bad earth between the engine and battery.

Your heater control cable is acting as a earth.

After checking the main earth cables, get behind the dash and look for loose connections and signs of melting insulation.

Col

I will check the earth connection to the engine and look for damage behind the dash. I will let you know how I get on. Thanks for the quick replies.

Run the batt earth to the starter end or mounting bolt (end is better) then run an earth lead from same bolt that to the chassis. The big current to ground is from the starter not the chassis so it makes sense to connect to that first.

I will do that. Thanks.

Hi everyone
I finally got round to getting the Landy out after the rain stopped and following your suggestions I have had some success. I ran a heavy duty jump lead direct from the battery to the starter motor but this didn't change anything. I took it off the starter and attached it to a bolt on the engine block and everything worked as it should.

Do you think I should run a permanent earth cable from the battery to the engine block and where is the best place to attach it? Also should I run more earth cables?

Yes, run the batt earth to one of the starter bolts. Run a second lead from there to the chassis.

I will do that. Thank you.