My brother just got a new 502/502 installed in a 69 SS396. The car ran fine when we took it out today..until it was shut off and restarted. Car would crank very slowly so we jumped it and it started right up.


While cruising down the road right after the car just shut down. Now when turning the key...nothing. We jumped it one more time and it ran for about 2 minutes and died again. I assume the alternator is not charging the battery, but everything is brand new w/ the 502.

Can someone give me some suggestions to troubleshoot?

thanks very much. I'll start searching the forums now....

A bad alternator can also drain the battery in addition to not charging it. Have it checked at a 'good' auto parts store, not the parts-in-the-box nearby. You may also want to check your wiring from the alternator to the horn relay(front left of the car), and the charging wire running to the battery that has a fusible link. The fusible link may have burnt which should be closest to the battery end. Good luck!!

I had the same problem on my 69 when I installed a new motor. Check the wiring harness to the starter. Mine was a against the header melted through the harness and caused a short to ground.