I'm in the process of re-assembly - finally - and have been cleaning up and applying soundproofing (Dodo Mat - not what I wanted but options were limited).

In the process I found the main 12V +VE cable passing a sharp edge, it is wrapped in some sort of tube presumably as protection but feeling around the thing it is clearly grooved at the back where it crosses the sharp edge.

I intend to pull this apart because I flat out ain't happy about it and it breaks every rule I ever learned - so my question to those that may have been in here - is this how they came from the factory ? ( if it is no wonder these things go up in smoke - clearly not only fuel related ) I can't see anywhere this could be routed although it looks like there is some sort of channel through the chassis rail starting at the rear left but it is too small for this cable.

 

To those who view this - it is entirely correct. On disassembly there is a U shaped channel into which the plastic part rests, this has a lip that the screw clamp fits around - it was this that my fingers could feel and wasn't damage to the plastic protector.

So it's normal and OK in service.

 

Where on the car is this, exactly Ben? I did not see one on mine.

 

It is in the gearbox tunnel hidden behind the 'asbestos' coloured insulation - left hand side of the tunnel at the top -

 

when they said hand built car, they were not kidding!

 

Well I'm damned! When I did the strip and rebuild, I did not remove that shield as all was good in that area. But I have just looked at my pics, and there, it is! I must have seen it at the time, but it did not stick.

 

I had no choice but pull mine thanks to the brake fluid issue, there was no addressing that with the shield in place, there was also no removing the AC expansion valve with it present either as it is buried right down in there - my car has a metal shield that seems not to be present in yours below the expansion valve so the side and top are the only approach points, not a snowballs chance in hell that was coming off while the engine and that cover was in there - it was tight !!. Anything that engine removal makes easier is getting done, wiring is one of those things, brake pipes are another, fuel lines seem OK, I'm not going to say I'll never remove the engine again - that tempts fate - but I have no plans to do so. I'm replacing the whole AC system with a kit from Fenair - Fenair - Sanden