Battery cables hot while cranking engine - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

Bo1226 · 10-20-2009, 12:37 AM

Hey guys I have a problem I cant figure out. I put a newly built 305 with some HP modifications (nothing major though) mild cam, heads, intake, edelbrock carb, headers, HEI dist.into an 86 camaro z28. I know....why 305? Dont want to get into that convo...just need some assistance with problem. Anyway not sure if I have some wires crossed at starter or alternator or what but on one occasion after sitting for a while, had to crank for 5 seconds or so...my positive cable burnt, actually caught on fire. Thought it was grounded to header and that was my problem. Replaced it and seemed to be good. After sitting for another extended period was cranking and my ground strap to the body started melting. Motor sounds and runs great and doesnt seem to be getting wires hot while running. But during initial startup getting hot enough to burn em...Where to start???? Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks
Bo

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8t2 z-chev · 10-20-2009, 01:34 AM

battery negative cable must have have bad connection
to engine if body ground wire was smoking...
Does engine crank at normal speed?-could have faulty
starter motor,armature dragging etc.
BTW nothing wrong with using a 305,its a small block
chevy after all-they can rock

berlin305 · 10-20-2009, 02:46 AM

Had this problem with my 305. The batter positive running to the starter was grounding out on my header which in turn killed my battery which i didn't know. Then it lead to new battery starter and cable. b/c it all got fryed. mind you starter was still working but it was overheating my cable and in turn burned the ground cable. changed starter adn no problems

3rd gen Will · 10-20-2009, 11:57 AM

If your wires are getting that hot there is to much resistance. I'd say 99% one of these two things is wrong.

1. Battery cables need replace because they have corroded internally. Most likely the positive one, may as well change both they aren't that expensive and you already in there.

2. Starter needs replaced because it has to much internal resistance.
(broken windings, worn out brushes or bad bushing's that are dragging)

Since you already replaced the wires I would check how much amperage you starter is drawing when you start the car. I can't remember how much but I'd say anything over 100-125 is to much. Someone chime in if they know how much it should be on a starter draw test.