CONTINUOUSWAVE

I recently purchased my 1983 Montauk with a '97 90hp Evinrude outboard and finally got her in the water last night. The boat's binnacle is covered by electrical tape from below the throttle handle all the way down and around the base of the throttle. I thought this was to just reinforce the throttle but last night after maiden voyage the engine refused to turn over. I'd get either a ticking sound or an alarm going off. A helpful neighbor got it to turn over by putting pressure on the base of the throttle. Anyone have any idea what's going on here? I hate to replace the whole binnacle box at a cost of $400.

There could possibly be a loose wire or a loss of ground if the control includes the neutral safety and kill switch.

Try fixing before replacing. Remove all the tape and inspect. Why is the tape there? Is the control loose? Try tightening the mounting hardware.

Ask the seller about this problem.