Intermittent picture at start up is usually dry soldered joints.
On older Sony's, there will likely be multiple dry joints around the low voltage power regulators, frame output and UHF Tuner/IF.
Dead and tripping, could be related to crystallised or dry soldered joints eventually causing failure of a regulator or other semi-conductor, although this fault may be unrelated. The TV is basically trying to turn on but sensing excessive current probably due to a short circuit component(s) and switching off to protect itself. This repeats rapidly causing the clicking.
Could be a little costly to put right. It's always best to get your TV checked as soon as possible, if it doesn't appear to be operating correctly. Resoldering after the first sign of a fault, (the intermittent no picture), may have saved you a more expensive repair.
Could be a time consuming repair, so expect perhaps £50-£90 repair costs and it should only be repaired by a qualified person.
Cobweb
January 2005