I would not expect the cable to get very warm with "normal" starting.  If
just one end or the other got warm, the connection there needs to be
cleaned.  Sometimes there is corrosion between the end of a cable and the
terminal, which means the whole thing needs to be taken off and redone.
  If your starter and solenoid didn't make any noise at all, your problem is
probably in the circuit from the ignition switch or the switch or the
solenoid.  It's a poor design; a relay kit may help.
  If your starter engaged but was not able to turn the engine well, Your
problem is in the battery, its cables, or the starter motor itself.

HTH,
Larry A.

On Sun, Dec 28, 2008 at 8:41 PM, Dan Krautkremer <kd5ceu@yahoo.com> wrote:

> The other day my 86' GL wouldn't turn over. Wound up getting a jump start.
> 1st time it has happened. Battery is 2 yrs old. My question is would the
> ground cable get quite warm to the touch during normal starting? Am I
> looking at replacing the battery cables to the starter? Next step is to
> clean all battery to starter connectors. Battery connections were very
> clean. Any ideas? Thanx to all...
>
> Danno
> 86' Gl
> 87' Cabby
>