Stacka,
Man that's a lot of work to become a fireman and then have to give it up; must have really hurt you when the realization hit. That said, I,m hoping they'll get you all sorted out and the future's bright.
Meanwhile, can you disconnect the ground lead and insert a multi-meter probes in series to the frame, set the meter to amps, and see if you are draining current to ground? I'd start with a high setting and then click down until the meter gives a good reading. This would at least tell you if there's a short circuit.
