1973 85hp Johnson just clicking when trying to start

[gilwe]

I bought a boat about 6 weeks ago and when I got it the engine fired right up. Now when I go to start it, the engine is just giving me a clicking sound. It seems to me like its either the starter or the solenoid but not sure and before I just go out and by a starter I wanted to seek some advice. Any thoughts?

 

[racerone]

Perhaps you should check the condition of the battery first.------------If it fired right up 6 weeks ago and now will not , I would say check or charge the battery !!!----------Failing that you might want to look at the brushes in the starter ( i install them a cost of $5.00 a set ) and easy to do.--------------Rushing out to buy new stuff gets expensive !!

 

[dew2]

Besides what racerone says check all the elec.connections clean them. Batt,solenoid,starter,Make sure the ground has a good connection. Batt and block

 

[ibnfshn]

Use a jumper cable to go directly from the starter to the + side of the battery. If the starter works normally, replace the solenoid. If the starter still doesn't work an auto electric shop can rebuild it and make it like new.