Hi, I have a 54 plate doblo 1.9 which I have had starting problems with for a few years now. In the mornings it would turn over slowly then gradually get faster and start up. however lately it has been getting worse and I have had to jump start it occasionally, but a few days ago I turned the key and the dash lights came on but it wouldn't turn over at all. The next day the battery was totally dead ( not a volt left in it ). After a bit of investigation with a multimeter I found that if I went across the positive lead to the starter motor and the body work I got a dead short ( I,m assuming that's not right ). I left this lead disconnected overnight and the battery was fine the next day. Btw this is not a battery problem as I have bought 2 new batteries in the last year. Any solutions would be gratefully received.
thanks
steve

Have you checked the earth strap?
A good tip on here was the get a jump lead, clip one end to the battery negative terminal and the other end of that same lead to the engine/gearbox block so the lead acted as an alternative earth strap. If it sorts out the starting problem then it points to your earth strap needing attention.
If the point is proven, initially it would be worth disconnecting the terminals of the earth strap, cleaning up with wire brush and reconnecting. If that doesn't sort the probloem, after that, I guess and new earth strap will be required.

Not sure what you mean by went across the positive starter motor lead and the negative of the body but yes there's plenty of potential there. Suggest follow advice above and give the battery a charge. Multimeter may be very hot if causing a short.

The resistance of the starter motor is probably only a few ohms.

hi, thanks for replies, turns out starter motor was shorting out , had new one fitted starts like the day I bought it now and no flat batteries.