Auto Parts: 95 galant mitsubishi, galant mitsubishi, salvage yard

Question
Hi
I have a 95 gallant standard shift it worked fine when i bought it,not bad for a used car, other than needing a front end alignment, back in April I replaced the starter with a used starter from a salvage yard, and changed the spark plugs and wires and oil of course, everything fine. Now since July it cuts off when I am driving, and sometimes it would start and sometimes I would have to get a jump start if some kind person would stop, I am no mechanic so a friend that knows a little bit adjusted the idle and it started up and i drove up and down the road it seemed fine. well now I am stranded again and I can see white smoke coming from the battery area, but see no signs of anything melting , but when your by yourself it is hard to see just where the white smoke is coming from, it's not steam, i think it is electrical,of course the day before i took it to advance auto and auto zone and there machines both came up and said error. Please tell me what to look for next, I need to get this car running I am currently on unemployment, due to this economy, and I can not visit my son without this car, or get a job for that matter, and of course not a lot of money to pay for big mechanic bills?  thanks Jamon

Answer
    Although I realize money is tight, a starter is one item I would never by from a salvage yard.  But, since it worked when you got it and still works when you jump it, it's probably OK.  My guess especially given that smoke symptom is that you need to replace the battery cable.  And on this car your best bet would be to buy a new one at the dealer.  It may cost a little more but Mitsu battery cables are kind of complicated and getting an aftermarket one to work will be difficult at best.  You may not even have needed a new starter to begin with as a bad cable reduces the current available to the starter.