Hot positive lead from Battery?

[sacramentobay]

Can anyone help..? The other day my battery was flat, so I trickle charged it over night and put it back on the bus. Turned the ignition on and had two bright red lights on the dash (oil and gen) so far so good... turned the key to start the bus and all I got was a click. Turned key off then on to position 1 again but had no dash lights this time and nothing if I turned the key as if I was starting it.
I went to engine bay and found the battery hissing and the positive lead to the starter motor was red hot to almost melting point! I quickly removed the lead from the battery and it eventually cooled down. I have recently replaced the starter motor so I know this is good. Would a duff battery stop it starting? and why would the live lead from the battery get so hot? I thought I'd have to get the fire extinguisher out it was that hot!!!
Any ideas or suggestions, most welcome. Thanks

 

[sparkywig]

Check your starter and battery connections.
The lead getting hot means loose connections or overload. You've probably cooked the battery as well.

 

[Humphrey]

Sure you had the charge leads to the correct terminals? Sounds like you may have reverse charged the battery.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[sacramentobay]

Thanks for the replies guy's, I reckon the battery has had it, so will invest in a new one. I'm positive (excuse the pun) that I had the correct lead on the correct terminal. Will get a new battery and try again. Thanks again.