944 won't start without a jump
 

First, I apologize if this has been covered somewhere in this forum already. Secondly, I apologize for I have no REAL automotive knowledge or expertise.

So my son has a 1986 944 (non-turbo) and the serpentine belt was recently replaced. Prior to that, the battery had to charged overnight for approximately 5 weeks. The charge would hold for an entire day of driving around. I noticed the belt was frayed, so we ordered a new one. One day before it came in at the local foreign car parts shop, the belt snapped. Perfect timing…

The new belt was excellent. It began working the alternator and we no longer had to charge the battery overnight.

But now it won't start. With a jump, the engine will run just fine. Unfortunately, it needs a jump each time.

PLEASE HELP TWO KNUCKLE HEADS that can't do much but put gas in the car…. And many thanks.

I am confused.
How would changing the serpentine/alternator belt cause the battery to stay charged? Even an old, frayed, cracked belt properly tensioned would cause a "good" alternator to keep a "good" battery charged.

Have you had the battery and alternator checked for free at an auto parts store?

You should also check for battery drain:
Excessive Battery Discharge Rate

BTW, if you continue to "jump" the battery, you may destroy the computer.

Clean your battery cable ground from the battery to the engine block.
Cover the hole on the top of the clutch bell housing before you start.

Go under the car and clean the starter wire connections.

J_AZ

are you sure the alternator is charging the battery all the way?
an auto battery is considered DEAD if it gets into the 10v range while sitting...even if it shows 13v while running.

Make sure your battery is a good unit and is holding a charge properly and if so then make sure your alternator is working like it is suppose to and if that is ok then you will have to check for a short that is draining your battery. Get yourself a cheap digital volt meter at sears and do some research on how to operate your volt meter and it will help you out.