MK3 Starter Cable Locations

[0u812]

I am re-introducing the starter to my pristine and original 14,000 mile MK3. (starter was removed by a prior owner but provided in the purchase). I purchased an upgraded heavy duty starter cable kit and am ready to install it. It is clear where the 2 negative cables go: (1: Battery to Solenoid) and (2: solenoid to starter lug). But where oh where does the lone red earth cable go? I gather one end to the battery but where is the heavy red battery ground earthed to? Either a verbal description or some photos of original starter cable routing would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Torontonian]

Well my long earth cable runs from + battery all the way down to a lowest bolt of the timing side crankcase. Doubt if this is original position. The ground from the solenoid goes there too. So 2 big wires to this bolt.

 

[Biscuit]

It runs straight down from the front of the battery and under the airbox. Then it comes from between the center of the engine/transmission cradle and crosses over the top of the left side cradle plate where it dives down and disappears under the starter and once again turns upward to finally connect under the nut of the engine case stud located just aft of the engine number. Pretty sure that's the factory routing.

 

[L.A.B.]

Well my long earth cable runs from + battery all the way down to a lowest bolt of the timing side crankcase. Doubt if this is original position. The ground from the solenoid goes there too. So 2 big wires to this bolt.

The starter solenoid doesn't normally have (or need) a heavy gauge earth/ground cable? :?

 

[Torontonian]

Looks like you are right on that one. Got confused with the wires going under the plastic airbox and followed the wrong one emerging from the blackness. Must get a better flashlight. 2 big cables , short one is neg. battery to solenoid. Long one is pos. battery to earth point on engine. There is a small WR wire to the solenoid. On my MK111 the previous owner chose the loom ground and the battery ground to be the same location , lowest bolt of timing side crankcase. He armor plastic shielded this too.

 

[0u812]

It runs straight down from the front of the battery and under the airbox. Then it comes from between the center of the engine/transmission cradle and crosses over the top of the left side cradle plate where it dives down and disappears under the starter and once again turns upward to finally connect under the nut of the engine case stud located just aft of the engine number. Pretty sure that's the factory routing.

Yours seems to be correct and I will proceed accordingly. I want to thank you for taking the time to provide research for me, the unknown soldier. Thanks again.