the small gauge wire coming from the battery terminal to the chassis keeps getting fried. ive replaced the the ground cable twice and keep getting same result. after 5 or 6 starts it melts the casing around the wire and it wont start anymore. any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! THANKS.

 

whats the condition of the large ground cable going to the engine. Also, there is a ground strap on the rear of the passengerside head to a stud on the firewall by the heater box. Make sure they are both there, in good shape, and tight. It sounds like you lost the main ground and all the current is running through that little wire to the fender

 

you know of a good spot on the block for a ground? i have it on the alternator right now. specific bolt location would be nice. thanks!

 

You should have aground going to the passenger side serpentine belt bracket.

 

Agreed with above- your main ground connection (negative battery cable) is bad. It's using the little chassis ground wire to find an alternate path to get juice to the starter (which draws a LOT of amps). Bingo- fried chassis ground wire.

There is a stud on the pass. side serpentine belt bracket underneath the A/C compressor (above the smog pump) specifically for attaching the negative battery cable.