87 f250 cranks but won't start
 

My 87 250 won't start but if you put some starting fluid in it will start. I cleaned the carb already and still won't fire without ether. It seems like it's not getting gas but it is I already tested that. When I tried it the last time I noticed the positive battery cable that comes from a circular thing mounted on the inside of the passenger side fender (that I forgot what it is called) was smoking and was hot to the touch. Could my problem be electrical? If I let it sit for a week or so it'll start up great and run. Any ideas here?