extremely hot battery terminals

After cranking the motor the battery terminals are very hot. Right now the bike isnt running. (We thinks its not getting fuel) that is another issue though. So when we test it and after it has been cranked for a few seconds the pos. and neg. are both very hot. Any ideas? thx

 

The starter draws a lot of current. I can see the battery getting warm but it should not be real hot I would think. I realize you suspect a fuel issue. Does the starter appear to turning freely?

 

Its not the battery that is getting hot. I can touch the battery with no problem. It is just the terminals on the battery. I assume the starter is turning freely. I am not 100% positive though. If we put a bit of fuel in the plug hole it'll act like it wants to start.

 

Now, I know little about electrical issues HOWEVER; I just experienced a similiar phenomenon yesterday while hooking up my battery to my riding lawn mower. Yes, I realize my mower isn't my XJ but it turns out the culprit was the "starter not turning over freely" as Bill suggested. The terminals were so hot I could barely get the term bolts back off.

 

Thanks for the input. Were you able to get the mower started with the starter not being able to turn freely? Did you buy a new starter or try to lube yours up?
Tomorrow I will definetly check my starter.

 

Sorry I should have said battery terminals not just battery. Anyway it is a good idea to check you starter. Not hard at all. Pull it and take it apart. Clean, lube and check the brushes. It would be very rare to have to replace it. Search on starter and you will find a ton of how to posts on cleaning you starter.

 

You might also want to clean your battery contacts. Corrosion=higher resistance connections=more current draw=more heat!