I just installed a new optima battery and cable (which runs from the solenoid to the starter). I noticed that after I start the car (starts fine) and run it for a while there is smoke that comes from the connection where the cable hooks up to the starter. Could this mean the solenoid or starter is shot? Thanks in advance.

Brian

I'm guessing but sounds like you have a Ford solenoid and you're talking about the wire from that to the starter. Sounds like the solenoid is staying energized after the car is started. I would think you should be able to here it since the engine would be spinning the starter. Anyway, check the cable to the starter while it's running with a meter or test light, should not have any power to it. If it does check the small positive lead to the solenoid, same thing. It should have power while key is in start position but not when released to run position.
Does that make sense? Hope I described it properly.

You described my setup exactly, but I dont think the starter is staying engaged after the engine is started (I dont hear anything). Wouldnt there be a grinding noise while the engine is running if that was the case? I will check the power to the starter and from the positive lead and post back. Thanks!

Brian

Not necessarliy a grinding noise, like when you turn the key to start and the engine is already running. But yes you should be able to hear the starter motor spinning. Only thing I can think of if the cable gets hot after the car has been running for a few minutes. If it gets hot right away, while cranking the engine over, well that's a different story. Are your connections good and tight, clean?

Well, I replaced the solenoid and started the car up, Again, I noticed smoke coming frome the starter area, But it looks like the smoke is coming from the small jumper cable (now partially melted) on the starter solenoid. Any Ideas on what I should check next?

You're talking about the jumper wire on the starter solenoid, right? You have no other wires going to the starter correct, just the big cable from the ford solenoid and the jumper. This was alll working before you replaced the cable from the solenoid. You sure the cable starts smoking after the car is running a bit and not while starting. Should have no power at the starter at all once it's started. Please confirm that smoke starts after running awhile. Also if you have access to a meter or you can use a test light confirm that there is no power on cable going from ford solenoid to starter.