Having problems starting

I have a 77 maverick with a 302 and lately I've been having problem starting her. I had the battery and starter check and they r good. I replace the solenoid, but I've notice it smoke. Any idea why it would smoke when I'm trying to start it

 

What color is the smoke?

 

white smoke

 

solenoids can be brand new and still bad. Hows your grounds?

 

haven't look there yet. I was thinking about changing my battery wire since they r still org. ones.

 

yes, that would definatly cause hard starting, had the same problem when i first got my car.

 

Have you painted the inner fenders and behind the starter solenoid? If so clean that up so it gets good contact. Bad grounds and bad connections are real problems with older Fords. I have started using the clear sheath monster type cables on all of my stuff so I can see when it get corrosion inside the cable.
clint