Customs Ignition problems when cold

I have a 50 merc with a push ****on ignition! When the car sits for awhile and i go to start it it'll crank for a bit, if i let off the ****on and go to start it again it just clicks. Now if i let it crank without letting off the ****on it'll start. Eveything is new, starter, battery except the push ****on. Usually when this happens i'll put the battery charger on it for a few hours and it'll start. Now once it starts and if i start it once a week it's good, no clicking. Has me confused! Any help would be appreciated!

 

Is it 6 volt or 12 volts.

 

12 volt

 

start with the basics. check and clean all battery cables and connections to the battery, starter and starter solenoid. replace as necessary. does this happen when battery is fully charged with battery charger? if it's ok when fully charged, the charging system is not charging properly. if charging system is ok then something is draining the battery slowly, like a dome lite, etc. maybe you are not driving it enough to keep the battery fully charged.

 

Test your battery.
You wouldnt be the first person to by a new battery that wouldnt hold a full charge.

 

That's all well and good - sound advice.
However from the original post, I gather that it cranks just fine after sitting until he let's off the ****on.
I would rule out the ****on, the wires for the ****on and their connections.

 

Regardless of the battery brand or age, have it load tested, TR

 

Some times to over come starting problems is to get a solinode with 2 terminal one will be "I" run a wire from there to POS on coil.When ever you go to start it should fire with key on or not unless your botton is wired thur switch.If it stops afther you let go of botton, your IGN switch is,nt very good.

 

Thanks Guys!

 

No one mentioned a possible drain on the battery. How long does the car sit between start up when this happen's? Yes, a new bad battery can do this. Things need to be ruled out first. As said before have battery tested, both with hydrometer and a load tester. If the battery has survided the up's and down's it's been through then move on. Disconnect battery next time you let it sit. Reconnect when ready to drive again. If it turns and fires good then seek out what is draining the battery.