Both wires should be on the one post. I think it is just a Junk starter. Sorry for being so blunt on the part. But I have seen that to many times with starters.

 

So basically... in this picture the green is an obvious connection. The red post is the home of both thicker gauge wires? And the blue remains untouched?
http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/i...artersmall.jpg

And this picture shows the wrong way? (each post is used)
http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/i...5/P1070057.jpg

 

Yes nothing goes to the Blue both wires go to the red and the Green is the trigger from the ignition switch.

 

Well, I thinkyou found my ignorance. I will try again soon.

 

Keep me posted.

 

so far so good! hopefully this is the problem, there is only so much I can be doing wrong. any recommendations of stuff to check on a car that has been sitting for months. I plan on changing the oil, what would you use? a fully synthetic like mobil 1? thanks for all the help!

 

You can go for mobil 1 alot of people on here use it and love it.

Check Belts, tires, and brakes.