Loss of power + water spot under motor.

[98Longbed]

98 Ranger auto w/160k miles. Was driving truck and the radio went fuzzy like I was losing the station and then I lost power, engine died. Almost completely dead with only faint dashboard symbols. Thot maybe battery crapped so pulled and took to auto parts store. They said it wouldn't take a charge and gave me a free replacement. Installed battery and truck fired up, ram it around the block and it ran fine. Last nite I was out driving truck and same thing happened again. Completely dead. This morning I go out to see if it miraculously cured itself and I notice water has leaked (not leaking now) from the right side of motor close to the front tire and it's a decent amount. What could be causing my power loss/battery issue, same with the leak and do you think the water leak is part of the power problem or a different problem? Thanks again for the help.

 

[kunar]

i would suspect the alternator first, or possibly bad battery cables. the water leak is likely something different. the only thing i can think of that would make the two issues related is if the battery had leaked...

 

[98Longbed]

Update

Pulled the alternator and took for testing and it failed. Bought and installed new alternator. Need to get battery charged or get a jump to see if electrical problem solved.