Will give it a shot and update after. also plan to pull fuses while checking for continuity across the battery posts to see if i can clear it on a fused load.

 

hopefully if the rain lets up today, I will get a chance to get the grounds cleaned up. Let you guys know what I figure out!

 

Ok, update finally . . . . as recommended i removed the ground on the driver shock tower and cleaned it as well as the starter. continuity still existed between + and - terminals. Then i decided to remove the positive and negative leads from the main fuse and continuity is gone. FSM says the Main fuse controls starter and charge system. So i removed positive and negative leads from starter, continuity still there. Can i take my alternator and have it checked for being grounded? Is it possible that is causing my initial problem even when jumped and not allowing it to run correctly?

 

You will have continuity between positive and negative. It can read thru alternator, starter, radio etc. You need to do the same test on DC current in series if looking for .battery leak

 

If continuity is supposed to exist between the positive and negative wires going to the battery, what would cause my battery to go from 12v to 8v with just connecting the negative terminal to the battery? How would i go about troubleshooting this problem? I've been fighting with this car for a month now and i want to get it drivable. I appreciate all of your help!

 

The alternator grounds to the engine by way of being bolted to it.