Extra Earth to Engine

The other day before leaving for work I got into the disco and tried to start it but all I got was click. Starter would not turn over. Tried locking unlocking doors, releasing handbrake, moving into and out of gear. After 3mins I gave up and borrowed another car.

I assumed it was battery as it was only 2 degrees all day. But my Dad got home and hooked a spare battery up with jump leads. Then tried to start but it didn't want to. So he put the handbrake on and it then started.

Spoke to 2 customers that are Landrover repair guys and both said I have a bad earth as the handbrake cable can knock the wires and cause an issue with the earth. Now I guess it doesn't hurt to add another earth so do I just add another wire from battery negative to engine. So where is the recommended location to attach and how thick of a wire do I need?

just make sure engine to chassis is earthed well and body to chassis etc

The V8 has one cable to the block on the driver's side of the block, slightly to one side of the alternator, and another braided connection between the rear of the passenger side cylinder head and the bulkhead. They are both 5/16" UNC on the engine by memory, but check before you change anything.

The picture shows the earth cable with the ring terminal hanging off the side of the block:



This one shows the cable attached to the alternator bracket, which must also be tightly bolted to the block:



The main connection is direct to the battery, so the block connection must be loose and/or corroded.

The handbrake cable provides another earth path for the starter motor via the transfer box and gearbox housings, which is why it made a difference when the handbrake was put on. With the handbrake off, there are too many loose joints to get a heavy current through.

Peter

if its a td5 and your getting a starter click ...will be the starter ...might need the terminals replceing in the solonoid do a serch for td5 starter clicking ....loads on here and parts are on ebay .......but a good earth is a good idea ....

I rather think Bennybenny has put his finger on the cause of the problem.

I have a starter motor kit on order but I think I will do the extra earth as well tomorrow while I wait for the parts. I am fitting the wiring for my extra lamps as well.