David, Not a good thing to let the alternator try to charge the battery. Takes to long and puts to much of a strain on the alternator. Get a $40.00, 10amp battery charger and put it on the battery over night. If it has an automatic cut off and you look at in the morning and it's down to 1 or 2 amps trickle, then most likely the battery is good. If not then the battery should be replaced. If you have any test equipment you can measure the voltage drop when trying to start the car and see if the starter is dragging. If you get to this point and all is good. Then there are several thing that need to be looked into. You would need to call or email me off line and we can walk thru them. John Hervey www.specialTauto.com PS You have to have a good electrical system to start. << Here is where I am in getting my D. back on the road. Any comments or suggestions are most welcome! 1) D. sits for 1 year ( Not uncommon.) 2)Take D into shop to get waterpump installed, fluids, belts and window motor and drop $1000.( This part has nothing to do with it starting.) 3) Go to start D. and it won't turn over. Mechanic gives it a shot of ether and it starts. I have never had to give the D a shot of ether to get her going.( Bad battery or starter or early vin and jumper not installed.) 4) Drive D around town to charge battery and return to the house.( not good.) 5) After having been in the house for 10-15 minutes go back out to the D. to start her up planning to return to Fairfax, Va from my family home in Front Royal and the D. won't start. I try the ether -- also a no go.( Either won't help if the engine won't turn over from a bad battery or starter.) Does the engine turn over ?????. If so then you have a fuel deliver problem or a small firing problem. >> John Hervey www.specialTauto.com DeLorean parts store.