Starting issues w/ key

Discussion in 'Technical' started by 7D2 Grabber, Aug 31, 2017.

  1. 7D2 Grabber

    7D2 Grabber Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2009
    Messages:
    999
    Likes Received:
    163
    Trophy Points:
    147
    Location:
    Northern CA, Bay Area
    Vehicle:
    1971 Comet GT, 1967 F100 short bed, 2008 Z06
    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.
     
  2. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2012
    Messages:
    7,561
    Likes Received:
    2,319
    Trophy Points:
    531
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    Chesapeake VA
    Vehicle:
    1972 Comet GT clone 306 . 1969 Fairlane Cobra 428CJ 1988 T-Bird awaiting 331 ..
    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...
     
  3. 7D2 Grabber

    7D2 Grabber Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2009
    Messages:
    999
    Likes Received:
    163
    Trophy Points:
    147
    Location:
    Northern CA, Bay Area
    Vehicle:
    1971 Comet GT, 1967 F100 short bed, 2008 Z06
    I should add it's a layer model mustsng alt
     
  4. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2002
    Messages:
    26,456
    Likes Received:
    2,835
    Trophy Points:
    978
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    MACON,GA.
    Vehicle:
    '73 Grabber
    "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.
     

    Attached Files:

    • 134.JPG
      134.JPG
      File size:
      95.1 KB
      Views:
      13
  5. 7D2 Grabber

    7D2 Grabber Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2009
    Messages:
    999
    Likes Received:
    163
    Trophy Points:
    147
    Location:
    Northern CA, Bay Area
    Vehicle:
    1971 Comet GT, 1967 F100 short bed, 2008 Z06
    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.
     
  6. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2012
    Messages:
    7,561
    Likes Received:
    2,319
    Trophy Points:
    531
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    Chesapeake VA
    Vehicle:
    1972 Comet GT clone 306 . 1969 Fairlane Cobra 428CJ 1988 T-Bird awaiting 331 ..
    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)??
     
  7. 7D2 Grabber

    7D2 Grabber Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2009
    Messages:
    999
    Likes Received:
    163
    Trophy Points:
    147
    Location:
    Northern CA, Bay Area
    Vehicle:
    1971 Comet GT, 1967 F100 short bed, 2008 Z06
    Typo, 3G Alternator
     
  8. 7D2 Grabber

    7D2 Grabber Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2009
    Messages:
    999
    Likes Received:
    163
    Trophy Points:
    147
    Location:
    Northern CA, Bay Area
    Vehicle:
    1971 Comet GT, 1967 F100 short bed, 2008 Z06
    The ignition switch fixed the key issue, now on to the charging system.
     
  9. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2002
    Messages:
    26,456
    Likes Received:
    2,835
    Trophy Points:
    978
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    MACON,GA.
    Vehicle:
    '73 Grabber
    :Handshake:
     

Share This Page