1976 Corvette L48. I connected my distributor timing light to the positive side of alternator so I could check the timing. Smoke started Pouring  out of the Starter area. The battery was replaced but nothing electrical works. I can not see where any fuses are blown. The starter wires look ok. Any ideas?

I would suspect, from your description, that you have blown one(or more) of the fuse links coming from the starter wiring harness. I can't see how, or why just connecting the timing light to the alt would do that, but I guess it's possible. Take a good look at the harness on the starter...the wiring coming up from the starter goes into a loom about 3"-4" from the solenoid. There are usually at least two fuse links in the red(sometimes orange) wire. Tug on one side of the wire at the fuse link. Typically, the wire will stretch out if the link has burned. You could also use a multi-meter to test for battery voltage on both side of the fuse link to see if it is blown. You can get replacement links at parts houses, but you can also cut the link out, and tie the two ends of the wire together to make sure that you have power to the car, and it will start. Then you can replace the fuse link.

Joel Adams
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Thanks Adam,

I will proceed based on your input.

Peace to you,

Dan