Burnt starter motor wiring

[jerrycastillo]

Hello,

The wires to the stater motor from the oil pan junction connector run just under the HOT exhaust mani and its insulation sleeve is charred. The wires' insulation (cloth) still holds! What was the original wire protection in the car to avoid charred wires? Has enyone encountered and solved this problem? How? Thank you!!

Gerardo

1970 280SL Horizon Blue

[66andBlue]

Gerardo,
perhaps your cable is not routed correctly through the cable holders around the oil pan?
See photos in reply #9 here: http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=13803.0

[jerrycastillo]

Thank you Alfred! I have seen the brackets with the rubber grommets loose along the battery wire and wondered where they would hold. Now I know!

Still, the wires from the oil pan to the starter motor run very close to the exhaust manifold and take a lot of heat. Was that the original way they were laid out?

Gerardo
1970 280SL Horizon Blue

[66andBlue]

It is difficult to see but from your photo it appears that the cable is routed above the engine support arms. It should be below.

[jerrycastillo]

Alfred,

Thank you for your additional comment!
Looking at the photos you referred me to it is clear mine is INCORRECTLY routed ABOVE the motor mount. That brings it too close to the exhaust manifold. I will reroute the cable BELOW the motor mount.
Do you have to remove the starter motor from the flywheel case to have access to the cables attached to it or are you able to work without removing it? Thanks again.

Gerardo
1970 280SL Horizon Blue

[ja17]

Here is a picture of the battery cable/starter wiring bracket locations.  You can disconnect it from underneath without removing the starter. The protective sheathing is nothing special. The cable is far enough from the exhaust manifold if routed correctly. I use a fiberglas/rubber sheathing which protective, but is most likely overkill.

[jerrycastillo]

Hi Joe,

Thank you for the photo and explanation! They are very useful to do the job right.

Gerardo

1970 280SL Horizon Blue