I'm having issues trying to start my comet with the key. It'll click and sometimes turn over, it'll turn over easier when I jump the starter solenoid on the apron. Battery is a new optima, solenoid is new, alt was gone through and the ignition key W/tumbler is new. I'm not seeing my alt charging the batt when I fire it up from the solenoid. Any suggestions where to start? I have an aftermarket volts gauge to check volts. I'm only getting 12 volts at startup at the solenoid and Alt. Both checked with a volt meter.
There is(or at least supposed to be) a fuse link in harness between battery terminal on alternator and solenoid...If it's kaput the alt can't send charge to battery... Has zip to do when cranking with switch, that's likely somer other issue... It's possible to have a failing ign switch and have crank issues and/or no charging...
"the ignition key W/tumbler is new." has nothing to do with it's cranking electronics, it's a mechanical thing. the ignition switch is on the top of the steering column under the dash. your problem sounds like a dragging starter. I installed a braided grounding strap from the starter bolt to the frame to solve that issue with my car.
I was just stating what was done. It should have been left out. I understand the mechanical aspect of the ignition key tumbler. I'll look into additional grounds, I have about 3 or 4 good grounds from the block to the frame, firewall to block, battery to frame and starter case to the block but none to the starter bolt.
All that necessary is one good ground from the battery to block, and another from block to chassis(or battery to chassis, that was orig configuration)... With four grounds, isn't likely your issue... As long as starter is bolted on securely, there is zero reason to add a ground to starter bolt... I assume you mean later?? How late? like 1982? Or Later as in 2G(1986-ish) or 3G(early '90s)??