So i have figured out that i now have probably a few shorts in my system.  if i leave my battery hooked up for 3 hours with the key off it will kill the battery, and now when i turn the key the starter is completely unresponsive.  i just bought a volt reader and plan on digging into this issue tomorrow, but i've never looked for, located, or even fixed a short in a car before, so any advice as to where to start and how to proceed would be great!  oh and i have downloaded those great wiring diagrams for my year, i just cant make heads or tails of them yet!  

Jon,
Years ago I found this post that has some great troubleshooting techniques that may help you. I have pasted it at the lower side of this reply. I cant take credit for it but I hope it helps you out. Its not from our forum but its a very good post. And it has pictures!
Best of Luck
Rodney



http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-general/1737334-battery-drain-test-easy-to-do-with-pics.html

(created live link-aapple)


|UPDATED|9/7/2012 7:31:35 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

well i just did that test where i connect the tester to the negeative end of the battery and the other part of it to the end of the battery cable, with everything off i have a HUGE power drain... also i have noticed that i have a grounding cable near the front passanger side that is connected to the frame and nothing else, the only place i can see it really connecting too would be the starter, but looking at wiring diagrams there should only be 3 wires coming off the starer and i have them all there.  i've included a pic of the hanging ground

Update:  found the source of the power draw, it was the radio some previous owner hack wired in.  And as far as the starter doing nothing when i turn the key i am begining to suspect that it may be in the key ignition itself... but i have no idea how to remove it, i know the starter is hot but it does nothing when i turn the key, and it is a new starter.

That big wire coming off the frame in front should connect to your engine block.  Mine is connected to the bolt that holds the forward starter support bracket to the block.  A lot of guys remove this little bracket.  Be sure you have a clean, unpainted surface to connect to. 

I'll have to get a longer wire to connect it to that bolt.  I have also looked at some other posts and tested both the small wires going to the starter and the one that runs to the ignition switch is getting no power at all.... i believe the switch is located on the topside of the steering wheel jacket, but i can't see the switch or how to remove it...

Your starter circuit may be dead because the clutch or neutral safety switch is not closing.  Do you have an Automatic or a 4-speed?  The 4-speed clutch switch is under the dash on the clutch peddle.  I don't know where the Automatic trans neutral switch is.

The ignition switch is at the bottom of the steering column..neutral safety switch is something to look at also..that big wire needs hooked up..it can be anywhere on the motor..even the mount bolts for the starter..if you are missing power the fusable links at the starter may be burned but get that main ground on before you look for to much..do the obvious stuff first..has this car ever run for you? Need to get a feel for where you are in this project.

I got the new ground on this morning and yesterday switched out that ignition switch, i still can't get the starter to do anything while turning the key, and i'm still waiting for the new NSS to get to the parts store.

The NSS can be bypassed with a paperclip..just make sure it's un neutral before you hit the key.