mac, this is just a guess , and something to verify for your situation , but I believe when there is that Hi amperage fuse right at the positive terminal - it's to supply the FUSEBOX ,usually the one in engine compartment , the STARTER is a DIRECT SECOND HEAVY cable in addition to the fused portion , and makes ONES SOLID HEAVY connection from positive post to starter. So I believe you're STARTING current is going through that fuse which designed only to supply Fuse panel and car systems only .Since you didn't state size of the fuse -remote possibility is vice versa - same problem though where starting current plus ALL OTHER AMPERAGE is going through the fuse (probably not supposed to ? )