[Big hammer]

Originally Posted by Badpuppy

Engine won't start without battery voltage at the coil. You can't crank hard enough to provide it from the alternator.

Tom Endy cites the usual cause of what you describe. Clean your grounded battery connection. I would also connect a #12 copper wire directly between alternator housing and battery ground post. Then you won't have to rely on rusty steel connections for a good ground path.

Or getting a ground through paint powder coat!