Another Wiring Routing Thread- I searched I swear!

[DreamsOfA26R]

Hello all! The title says it best; I come with another question about how exactly the wiring harness (wiring loom) is routed on an S2 Elan. I'm also posting this in the hope that someone has a diagram or schematic showing how the harness is routed. I recall seeing one ding an internet search once, but it appears I didn't save it and now I can't find it anywhere!! I've searched this forum, the internet and all through my workshop manual and I can'y seem to find the routing described anywhere. If I'm missing something obvious I'll take my flaming as well deserved. If any of y'all can help me figure this out I'd appreciate it.

I bought new main and instrument harnesses from British Wiring as my car didn't come with anything when I purchased it, so unlike my Europa project I can't use the existing harness as a template for installing the new one.

[DreamsOfA26R]

Bumping this in the hope that someone who can help may see it.

After more research I've found this layout diagram in the master parts list, however it seems that its for a RHD car. Can someone with an LHD car tell me whether or not the main loom runs down the drivers side as it does on the RHD cars?

[tonyabacus]

I have fitted a number of harnesses and currently installing a new harness in my current S4, but all have been RHD and supplied here by Autosparks who sold their British interests to British Wiring in the USA. So you can look on either site. The p-art numbers are the same.

As for the position of the wiring on the dashboard, the harness is the same for RHD/LHD for S1 to S4, the difference being that S1,2,3 used only two harnesses rather than more on the S4, the Sprint has the same basic harness but is wired for an Alternator and has multi connectors rather than bullet connectors, but the dash part remains the same.

One more point is that because the harnesses have been made virtually universal, you may find wires for items not applicable to your car. So again whilst the harness is laid out, use the schematic to check which wires may not be needed (eg hazzard warning systen and items fitted later in production to meet US legislation, but not fitted on the earlier car, salthough I don't have a date for some of these changes), these wires and warning lights are usually found towards the left hand side of the dash. You can either cut them off and tape them or tape up the individual wires and light holders to prevent any shorting out.

I have found the easy way to place the harness is to lay the dashboard varnish side down. Then place the harness roughly in position, and gradually straighten it out of all the kinks and bends. Next attach the wires to the furthest instruments on the dash which will start to give an indication of the final position that suits best without straining wires.

The main problem comes around the ignition switch as its here that many of the branches and wires come together to form like a crucifix. Put in place loosely the ignition switch and look at how the harness may best bend to reach the various switches etc. I then use "P" clips at strategic points to hold the harness in place and keep wires out the way and tidy as I work. Take care to use only short screws on the "P" clips as they may otherwise penetrate the front of the dash. As the harnesses are usually bound with PVC tape they can take a little pressure to bend them into the desired position.

Once roughly in position it will be easy to see which wires go where, whether they will reach and also check colour codes. I have found the factory schematic the best, but always blow it up to at least A3 size. This not only makes it easier to follow cable routes but also see the colour of wires. There is somewhere on this site a good colour version of this schematic that is even easier to read, although I can't recall where it is, but would be happy to forward a copy if you PM me.

So, the route for the harnesses is easy to see if you follow the above

[DreamsOfA26R]

Thanks for the detailed reply! I've had great experienced with Autosparks products. I used an Autosparks harness when rewiring my 1967 Europa, and I purchased the Elan harness from British Wiring and I thought that the harness looked very similar.

Given that I'm building a race car it's good to know that the harness is basically universal and will have wires that I won't be needing for my application. I did opt to purchase a harness that already has the provisions for an alternator so that will be a nice upgrade.

I appreciate the thorough rundown on how to best set up and run the harness and I hope to get started on that tomorrow evening after work if i can make the time. I may hold off on getting the wiring in as I decide what gauges I'd like to run but maybe at a minimum I can get the harness opened up and relaxed before the install.