1990 Johnson 30 - starting problem

[jkhci]

Need some help/advice.

I went out yesterday, launched boat forgot plug, realized quickly and plugged tried to start, turned over three times without starting then just had a clicking sound, notice there was some water on some of the wires

Sat for a while, but nothing, (just clicking sound)

PLease help

[jriegle04]

sounds like low battery. did you charge it? also could be a stater solenoid. check the battery first

[tashasdaddy]

90% of starter problems are bad connections. remove and clean both ends of the battery cables, so that they are shiney, also the cable from the solenoid to starter. check for nicks in the cables. and make sure the connectors are on the wire good. the cable tend to corrode from the inside out, if nicked, corroded wires, and connections, heat up and cause resistance to the follow of electricity, thus the starter doesn't get enough. you can also take jumper cable pos battery post to large post on starter. with a good connection, the engine should spin. then if the starter is good clean everything and retest. then trouble shoot solenoid. starters can be rebuit at a starter/alternator shop, much cheaper than a new one.

also have the battery load tested at the auto parts store, free, i've had new batteries go bad