electrical problems

my truck was running but it shut off for no reason, i went to start it and it sounded like it was trying to turn over but it sounded like the battery was dead. i let it crank for a few seconds, and smoke started comming up towards the back of the motor. any idea what this could be?

year, make, model, engine size? exactly what area of the engine was producing smoke? how long did you crank it for? need more info from you to try and help. i could say that the fuel pump died, and as a result of you cranking it so long, you fried the starter. but i would rather have the info so i am not shooting into the wind. I hate throwing parts at something...lol. get info ASAP and i will try to answer in same fashion.

its a 91 c1500 with the 305, the smoke was cumming from behind the aircleaner on the motor, back towards the wiper motor. the smoke was just a little bit but it smelled electrical

its a 91 c1500 with the 305, the smoke was cumming from behind the aircleaner on the motor, back towards the wiper motor. the smoke was just a little bit but it smelled electrical

this smells like a fuseable link that corroded or starter connections that need wire repair . in any case it appears to be electical wire to starter or solenoid

thanks alot guys, im gonna go out right now and check out the wires on the starter. hope this is the problem... again thanks