Land Rover Repair: More Electrical Issues??, cape breton, electrical issues

Question
John,

I fear I am starting to sound like a broken record on this one, but I am stumped.  I have a 95 Disco I (as you have heard about several times).  Over the course of the last few months there has been a disturbing trend...the car just dies.  Initially, the tach dropped off, heater quit, radio turned off, the car sputtered and died on the side of the road.  Suspecting (then confirmed) alternator, I replaced the alternator.  All was well for 2 weeks...then the EXACT same thing happened again.  I suspected I had killed the battery...checked it out and sure enough it was toast.  Battery replaced, problem goes away...for two weeks and then the EXACT same thing happened all over again.  The car will start when left alone for a while, but as soon as you turn the heater on or try to give it gas (even back out of the driveway) it starts to sputter and cut out, then goes black and dies.  This time I noticed even the speedo was not powered.  A few more clues for you: I live in Atlantic Canada and it is really stinkin' cold...the car may sit a day or so in between drives (mostly due to weather).  Someone suggested the belty may not be properly tentioned giving an incomplete charge.  Possibility?  The nearest LR dealer (only one in the province that works on LR's) is 100 miles away...do you have ANY ideas before I foot the tow bill and blow my tax refund at Land Rover?  Thanks again for all of your help, John!

wes

Answer
Hi Wes!

My folks are from Cape Breton..."how are ya, boy!"

Too bad about all these troubles.  Have you checked the serpentine belt path?  Could be that the alt is not charging the battery and all hell breaks loose after a couple of long drives.

I'd also check all the ground points in the engine compartment.  Clean all of them with baking soda and a toothbrush (throw the brush away afterwards, boy! ;) Someone once told me that Coke is a good cleaner around the battery...just don't let any of it sit too long on metal or wiring (it'll melt).

Here is a webpage that has a graphic of the feed for your serpentine belt:

http://www.roverparts.com/Tech_serpentine_belt_routing_defender.html

works for rangie, disco and defenders.

IF its not the belt, check all the fuses.   If no fuses are blown...you'll have to take out a 2nd mortgage and call the dealer.  ;)

I hope its just the serpentine belt.  Watch out for corroded electrical wires, especially around the lights that are exposed to the elements.

Best regards,

JohnMc

NB:  Canada just lost to Russia at Torino... a moment of silence just started across Canada.  What happened?