having just found out what a pig it is to get the alternator off a 2003 ducato and before attempting or sending to a garage, I want to check the earth lead from gearbox to chassis, having crawled underneath I cannot see the ruddy thing anywhere! Is it clearly visible and if so please point me in the right direction. cheers

It might be on top! Have a look around the RHS engine mount, I recollect that my 2006 van had a (very short) link there, basically just bridging the mount.

The Stilo has a earthing point on top of the gearbox. If you are struggling, why not fit an earthing kit JDM style. A good kit is about £40 and can sort out any poor running that you have. I haven't done this because I felt that I didn't need to. I just made sure that all the earth points where nice solid and had a quick spray with WD-40.

Thanks for input. Had air filter unit out but no earth braid below there. Good one from starter to chassis and then onto battery. Still can't find cause of problem, so time to get auto electricians involved.