Hmmm. After tracing the 4 (or 8?) gauge wire, I found that it tracked all the way to just above the starter. It melted it's covering all the way there, at which point I lost track of it. Does anyone know if this wire connects directy to the starter?

I've replaced the starter on this thing already .. I have a feeling that this repair is going to suck, really suck, since the starter was so hard to get out in the first place.