Hi I have a 19 74 chevy truck with a 350 I noticed that it had some trouble cranking over recently. So I swapped the battery and it started right up. But the next day it started to have the same issue not wanted to start. So I jumped it and when I started going down the road I lost all power. And now it won't ever throw hazards its completely dead, but I'm still able to jump it.

 

Have you checked the alternator and/or voltage regulator (may be built into the alternator)? If your alternator has gone bad, the battery will no longer be charging, and will deplete after a bit of driving - producing spark is hard on a battery...

When you jump it and it starts, does it die shortly after you remove the jumper cables? That would also point to the alternator. Check the voltage at the battery terminals with the engine running or not running. It should be around 14.4 volts if the alternator is working.

 

Since the truck is old, the wiring insulation might have worn out, causing shorts. I'd check the wiring, especially around hot or moving parts like the engine or exhaust, and where wires go through metal. Also, since it had trouble starting, take a look at the starter and starter solenoid. Corrosion, bad connections, or internal issues with these parts can cause starting problems too.

 

no it stays running but when I put it in gear completly dies

 

That kinda sounds ominous. I.e. like transmission locked up or something.... but just speculating. Hopefully someone else has better advice for you.

 

Okay so it may be the alternator i had to use a jumper pack to drive the truck back and the transmission is good.

 

Ok - didn't know it drove with the jumper pack. That's good news, and you are right - the alternator is most likely suspect. At least those are pretty easy to change out.

If you get the old one tested, be sure you are keeping a close eye on the folks doing the testing. I went to my local Autozone with the starter off my 1996 C1500, which I had to get towed home recently when it wouldn't start. The literal kids who "tested" my starter on the test rig at Autozone said it was good. I was watching them and pretty sure they hooked things up wrong, and bypassed the starter solenoid. I told them to give me a new one anyway, and take the core on the old one. The new alternator got the truck fire right up.