1990 Force 90hp Ldrive hot negative side battery terminal

[mickeys94]

Recently tried to start the engine...which has run before and had what seemed to be a dead battery. I know it's charged enough to start. When I tried to tighten the terminal nuts on the negative side it was so hot that my fingers got burned. Does anyone have any idea what would cause this?

 

[jerryjerry05]

The ground lug under the starter could be loose.
The heat usually goes to the weakest point.
The starter? how old? You ever clean/ inspect the inside?
Also low compression can affect the starter. It makes it seem like the starter or battery is weak.
Do a compression test and then inspect the cables from the battery to the starter.
A weak or corroded cable or a bad spot can affect the system.

 

[mickeys94]

Thanks for the info!