Electric start Won’t start just clicking

I have the same issue, except I've had it for a couple of years. Mine recently started misbehaving and not shutting off when blade control handle was let go, and took me pushing the little metal switch thingy on the mower in. I recently fixed that, and electric start worked for a bit, and then suddenly it wouldn't start anymore. So I bought a new off brand mower only to have it suddenly start running slow, and it's self propel quit working. It of course has an engine that needs primed (terrible design if you ask me). Then I managed to fix the mower after discovering the ground wire was half broken, so I redid the ground wire (the one that's under the shroud/engine cover.) And replaced the cover and lo and behold it started but then later on electric start stopped working at some point. It still starts with the the pull cord, but also it will sometimes spit black exhaust out when starting. Not a lot, but once it gets up to speed meaning the engine, no color to exhaust which is good. But when you shut it off it smells strongly of fuel. I've done carb cleaner and fuel treatment and it runs better, but still does the black exhaust.

when I push my starter button it clicks and then I get nothing. Have to pull the cord to start. Battery is charged.