it might be the alternator

I bought a new battery one week ago and now it doesn't have enough power to start the car. so I jump it and it starts fine but like 3 minutes of running it the car dies. but the thing is I just got the alternator tested and it put out 13 volts and 73amps. so I don't know if it could have just died all of a sudden. but it doesn't charge the battery like it should. Any suggestions

Buy a new car.

Buy a new car.Shut it.


Check your alt and battery grounds, and make sure everything is OFF in the car (i.e. amps, etc) when the key is out. Was the alt tested under load?

uh yeah by under load do you mean while the car was running. cause the car was runnning while it was tested. I think something is pulling off the bat while the car is off. but the only thing I can think of is the alternator cause the car shuts off about three minutes of running it.

Okay, didi you check the grounds?

yeah I am gonna have to check them this weekend. i have no time right now. but in your opinion does it sound like the alternator?

take the alternator off and bring it somewhere to have it tested, that'll give you an exact reading. it sounds like either the alternator is shot or something in the charging system is disconnected somewhere along the line. hence the grounds that lando suggested checking.

ok I am gonna take the alternator out and have it tested. then we will see. thanks for the help.

yeah so it was the alternator and I got it replaced. but now I have much bigger problems.

You don't have to take it out to get it tested...go to autosone and they will test it for free

That depends on if you can drive there. ;)

It would help if we knew what the bigger problem was?....maybe?

yeah i started a new thread but the bigger problem is the 3rd cylinder has 20 pounds of compression when its supposed to have around 80 psi. so I am thinking compression rings and that means engine overhaul. so I am debating doing it myself or just taking it to a shop. and I figure while the engine is out might as well get the entire engine rebuilt and possibly upgrade the rods and pistons. but not sure what I should go with.


or I can buy a short block somewhere and just drop that in. the head is still good.

but if anyone knows any good sites for blocks it would help out. I've already visited a few and the best price for a stage1 block is 1800. thanks in advance