[glennpm]

Originally Posted by signsup

It is for my 42 Mercury that has been converted to 12v by previous owner. It has a keyed ignition with the spring loaded start position on the key switch. A

Okay, see diagram below

Just yesterday it turned over but I have the gas pedal out while working on floor board and could not keep it idling and then the clicking started.

It will also just click if the battery is defective or not charged sufficiently

I will go down this morning and briefly touch the two positive cables together The starter switch is on the dash but I do not know if the botton works, I have a replacement button.

You don't need this if you now have a keyed ignition switch

I will replace the key ignition with a dog leg military type switch and use the switch to enegize the coil and the starter button to start the car.
But for now, I just want to get it started and running

Okay

Now back to the green and purple wires that are now connected to the solenoid. One of those must be connected to the "S" terminal on your keyed switch.

You also need to clean the negative wire from the battery to the frame connection.