Land Rover Repair: altenator, oil leaks, fuse box

Question
John I have a 4.0 1998 disco.
the problem started after fixing some oil leaks and washing the engine with a GARDEN HOSE no high pressure. After the bath the red battery light comes on and off also the batt. over heats and has some venting. I have checked all conections and blown them out with air same thing happens, had autozone check batt. and alt. both checked ok, but still same problem with battery drain and not able to start car after sitting allnight with batt. connected is this an over charging problem. please help.  

Answer
Hi Greg,

you've got a short somewhere in the engine compartment.  Something is drawing a charge...could be water causing the connection.

I have heard that the alternator can short out after an engine wash.  The spark amplifier modules on some Disco's have been known to short out after being splashed with water.  Then there is the coil or coilpack.  Blast some air around these components and don't forget the engine fuse box.

Lastly, the AC compressor has a switch that can be shorted out with water.  Follow the wiring and ensure this is air-dried.

I'm curious, when you washed the engine, did you 'bag' the components (Alt, AC, PS pump, fuse box, coilpack...)?

Regards,

JohnMc