Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Three Wheeler & Super 3 Neutral Rattle

Hello all,

2000 mile 2014 M3W suddenly developed a rattle from the engine area in neutral. Sounds like something loose rattling inside - for a while I thought there was a washer on the engine end of the heat guard bolts that had fallen in. I know some of these v-twins can develop a neutral rattle. I’m curious if anyone else has experienced this.

Thanks,

Gabriel

Oh dear Gabriel, that is not good but I am sure the three wheel boys will be along soon with some help and advice.

Is the rattle because the engine is idling or specifically because its in neutral with clutch engaged?

If it happens just because engine is idling check exhaust mount bobbins.

Check your Compensator - if it's Harley type it will need replacing for the upgrade.

If left the noise will get worse.

Sorry.

2014 models should have the Centa compensator, but worth checking the actual build date to confirm.

I hate to say this, but check your frame around the front area. Those vibes could rattle any fracture..

Is the rattle related to throttle? Does it get faster as the revs rise..?

Thanks for all the replies.

It was a second half of 2014 build (still digging up the exact build date to confirm Centa compensator).

The bobbins seems fine - no cracks in the rubber pieces and no give on the bolts.

On the drive in to work, I checked for correlation to throttle. It actually seems to diminish/go away with throttle. I noticed it most in idling and at higher speeds with lower throttle.

Richard, thanks for the reminder on the clutch test; I think I have at least removed the neutral rattle possibility, as it is unrelated to clutch engagement.

??? Almost afraid to check the frame now...

Could be caused by one or more different things; I've had a similar rattle that went away when I tightened a loose allen screw holding the trim on over the transmission tunnel.

The noise at idle and low throttle does sound like the compensator.

Some early 2014 models still had the "Harley" type so it could depend on when yours was actually built.

If you look under the bellhousing there should be an approx. 2-3" hole which if you stick a cheap phone boroscope camera through and point it towards the front of the car would allow you to see the rubber rollers if it is a Centa.

More info on:

http://www.talkmorgan.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/450009#Post450009

Hopefully you will see rubber rollers and eliminate the compensator as the culprit

Thanks, Red Three. I'll check that area, as well. Based on the responses so far, I think I need to think more broadly, as these rattles seem to travel much longer distances than you expect.