Firewall Live!

Im guessing this isn't right! I only noticed then fitting my vent cable through and it sparked when hitting the firewall. I'm also guessing this might be related to my starting problem!

Thanks all!

Could well just be static, esp in warmer weather, assuming that the bonnet is not earthed. I would fit an earthing strap (or two) between the bonnet (around the hinges) and bulkhead. Also helps prevent problems with radio reception and transmission.

You can test if it's static. Just connect a jump lead between the bonnet and an earthed area of the car (bulkhead). Then remove strap and measure volts between bonnet and bulkhead. Should be zero or very close.

If you read any signficant voltage then a wire has probably rubbed through.

It never does any harm to check all your earths out as well.

What is the starting problem?

My old N/A 90 used to do this,
Where the two bolts screw into the bulkhead that hold the fuse box on they where live all the time and even had earths going onto the bolts lol.
I never got round to working it out, didn't cause a fire so just ignored it hahaaa

Thanks both, re starting problem see here
http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f7/starting-problem-254882.html