positive battery terminal getting hot, 1997 Mercury Sable?

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John H

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I have a '97 Mercury Sable that won't start. Engine turns over good. It tries to start, fuel pump works, gets fuel. Replaced timing chain, gear, and water pump... still won't start. I noticed the positive battery terminal is way too hot when I crank it. Even tried a new coil pack.

If you have ANY idea what the problem could be, please help.

What would make the positive cable get hot when trying to start the car?

Is there a inline fuse that has something to do with starting?
 
pull out one of the spark plugs put the wire back on it and lay the end which goes into the head on the engine touching metal. then crank engine and see if you get any spark. it should be a nice blue spark not a yellow spark.if no spark than you need to check for proper power to the coil or ecm and wires.if you have a nice blue spark than either it's out of time or fuel is not getting to cylinders or you may have blown head gasket. in which case you need to do a compression test to confirm that.since you say the engine cranks easy the wires are probably hot from cranking multiple times. but you can change the battery and starter wires to 2/0 thus lowering resistance in the wires allowing more amperage to starter and lowering temp of wires
 
Disconnect the battery before you have a fire, then start troubleshooting for a short in the system. It is possible the battery terminals are loose or glazed. Regardless, the battery terminals must be clean and verify that there is no short in the system.
 
Sounds like corrosion under the battery clamp. Take off clamp, and take sandpaper and clean post so it is shiny silver. Also do the inside of the clamp so it too is shiny silver. Now put on clamp and tighten it down so cable does not come off or move. That is a good connection. Heat should disappear. Or you are doing alot of cranking.

Check timing belt timing and make sure it is right. If wrong, you will crank till the cows come home and are made into hamburger, but you will not start(because you have already damaged it)
 
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