Engine won't start just clicks at motor.

[Cgregg]

2000 mercury elpto just clicks when I turn the key but every now and then if I keep turning key it will fire. Motor started after many tries to get it back to boat ramp. Is it the solenoid. One love I finally fired and I started it it ran just fine and ran just fine.

[mikeg205]

solenoid moves - get a new starter.

[thatsmrmastercraft]

Always start with the basics. Remove all battery and starter cables, one at a time and clean them with a wire brush. Don't forget the ground cable to the block. If that doesn't solve it, then look to the solenoid. Of course there is the potential that the battery cables have too much resistance - check them with an ohmmeter if the connections and solenoid are OK.

[Cgregg]

Originally Posted by mikeg205

solenoid moves - get a new starter.

So you don't think it could be the solenoid? It will periodically fire and turn the motor over. I ordered a new solenoid hoping that is the issue. Can test my current solenoid ? If so how ?