Re: 90hp Merc o/b starting problem
The clicking is the solenoid closing and opening. Every click is it slamming shut. By it clicking it means it closed and reopened (when it was supposed to stay closed and allow voltage to go to the starter to spin it).<br /><br />The amperage required to start that outboard is about 100 amperes as I recall. That's a lot of current. When you turn the key, you close the switch (solenoid) and attempt to force 100 amperes through your high current wiring from the battery thru solenoid high current contacts, to the starter, and back to the battery through the aluminum housing (block) of your engine.<br /><br />During that process, you need to maintain enough battery voltage to keep your solenoid energized (by way of the start switch). If the batteries are weak, or your starter is shorted, or overloaded (like with a frozen engine), as soon as you put a load on the system the voltage drops from 12+ volts to something less than (probably about 8 volts), which is not enough to keep the sole energized.....so it drops out. ]<br /><br />When it drops out the voltage pops back up to 12+ volts (cause you removed the load on the battery), the sole coil sees it, re-energizes (cause the voltage is high enough to do it now) and the cycle repeats.<br /><br />In short: Bad batteries (have auto zone load test them for you...min 100 amps), shorted starter, or stuck engine.<br /><br />But, if all that checks out, the ignition-switch is defective (burning up inside) and is unable to get 12+ volts to the solenoid coil (excessive voltage is dropped across the switch cause it's defective) usually happens with old switches exposed to moist environments.<br /><br />HTH,<br /><br />Mark
<br /><br />be careful though, thats a newer and nice boat.