Help needed with building a wiring loom

[kudlinski]

This is currently an idea of mine to replace the messed up wiring currently in my truck. I have a 200tdi 90 which is only ever used for offroad days and does not have or need an MOT. Its main problem is that at some stage in its life it was completly submersed in salt water and as a result the electrics have a mind of their own.

I want to build my own loom to incoporate the bare minimum of features ie engine start stop, washers, wipes and thats it. What is the best way to go about building your own loom? What conections do i need on the engine side ie what needs power?

Is this even possible for the average person who is fairly handy? Any ideas on what a professional would charge?

Any suggestions on places to buy bits? I idealy want to use a marine grade fuse holder just to make the system simple, fool proof and water tight!

Any advice greatly apreciated.

Many thanks

Paul

[mmgemini]

It is really simple.......

The wiring and connectors from Vehicle Wiring Products......

Now as you only want the very basics. Take a look at the series wiring diagram....Then add any bits you want....It's easier that way than taking bits away from the 90/Defender wiring diagram.

I normally make up in situ, then cover with Spiral Wrap so it looks neat.

HTH

mike

[Shox Dr]

I built a few for bikes, and replaced a great deal of the 90s last year. I would take the old loom and strip out the bits you dont want then copy what you have left.

[kudlinski]

Mike: That was extremely helpful, thanks!

Shox dr: You are absolutly right but my loom has been hacked apart by a blind person so i dont have any faith in it at all.

I have been doing some further thinking on the matter and is the following correct (im at work with out the aid of a wiring diagram so attempting from memory) for basic electrical items in the engine bay:

Starter Needs a main positive from the battery, an earth wire, and a wire to conect to the ignition switch

Glow plugs Direct positive feed off the battery, ignition feed, earth and conection to glow plugs

Alternator Direct feed to live wire on starter?? (anything else?)

Stop solinoid Connects to ignition but what else?

Sorry if these are obvious questions but i hate car electrics

[Dinkydave]

I set fire to my loom

The easiest way I found to rebuild the loom was to remove to shield and replace each wire one at a time.

All done by the side of the motorway, doh!!

Worked a treat until I decided to have it professionally rebuilt on my drive by a local auto sparky (my work was good but his was better)!!

Ade

[mmgemini]

Mike: That was extremely helpful, thanks!

Shox dr: You are absolutly right but my loom has been hacked apart by a blind person so i dont have any faith in it at all.

I have been doing some further thinking on the matter and is the following correct (im at work with out the aid of a wiring diagram so attempting from memory) for basic electrical items in the engine bay:

Starter Needs a main positive from the battery, an earth wire, and a wire to conect to the ignition switch

Glow plugs Direct positive feed off the battery, ignition feed, earth and conection to glow plugs

Alternator Direct feed to live wire on starter?? (anything else?)

Stop solinoid Connects to ignition but what else?

Sorry if these are obvious questions but i hate car electrics

Glow plugs. Use a relay.

Alternator. Brown/yellow to charge warning light.

Stop solenoid , wiper AND difflock warning light, very important.

Oil pressure warning light

Water temperature gauge.

I can't think of anything else off the top of my head

mike

[Shox Dr]

Fuel Gauge, maybe

Are you keeping the cab heater, in which case you'll need the fan wired