Re: Battery cables smoking !!
Poor connections create heat, melting plastics and can start a fire.
Clean all connections, both ends, same for the starter cable, and clean the grounding spot on the block for both the battery ground and the starter, reinstall tightly. 'Wing' nuts on the battery should be thrown overboard, use stainless steel nuts and a wrench.
If you are able, take the starter apart, lightly sand the commutator clean, check that the brushes move freely and are still long enough, not worn down excessively. Very lightly lube the starter bushings, do NOT lube the threaded portion of the drive, you want that clean and dry. If you insist on any form of lube here use a dry film like graphite lock-ease, or possibly one of the dry slide silicone sprays.
