Need some help I pulled the engine from my car...when I put it back in it wouldn't start, seemed like a dead battery so I jumped it and it started fine. A few days later it died on me and wouldn't start, it just clicked like the battery was dead but started just fine when I jumped it again. Now it will start if I jump it but when I disconnect the jump box it stalls. I'm in the military getting ready to transfer from Mississippi to California in less than two weeks....please help.
If the battery is totally dead it wont run on just the alternator since the alternator puts out pulse DC not pure DC. The question is: 1) is the battery not charging? You can check this with a volt meter by monitoring the battery voltage when the engine is running, it should be around 14.5 volts. If it's under 12 volts (with the jumper cables disconnected) and falling, the system isn't charging. 2) Is there something discharging the battery when the engine is off? When the engine is off disconnect the battery and lightly touch the cable to the battery. There should be no spark when you touch it. If there's a spark something in the electrical system is draining the battery. Be sure you have the wiring connected properly. I knew a guy who installed an engine an had the big red wire that bolts to the alternator turned wrong and it was shorting against the block. If you are at Keesler there must be someone at the hobby shop that can help you.
