Thanks for the reply. I good news is that I replaced the starter recently so hopefully those bolts haven't re-rusted into place. The bad news, I guess, is that I have to take the starter out again to get to the terminal end of the wire!

I'll probably take the starter back to see if I can get a replacement, rather than take a chance. Will know more tonight when I tear it down. I don't think it was my re-install given that I was very careful. I'm leaning towards the issue benig a short in the starter..

Thx again.