Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Aero 8, 2012< Plus 8, SuperSports, Coupe & Aeromax The ol non-start issue

So apparently this isn't an uncommon issue on Aero's, although new to me as my last one didn't suffer from it..

Basically go to crank and just get a load of starter solenoid clicking and flashing/flickering dashboard lights, I would usually point that straight to battery being weak, it should be fully charged as is on trickle charge and stored in a dry environment.

The car has had a new starter a few years ago so in my mind it seems unlikely it would be that, however if it is relatively common it would be good to know how everyone resolved their issue!

My 2001 Series 1 with approx 16k miles has had intermittent issues with the solenoid 'clicking'. Various specialists have opined on it with general consensus being a slightly low battery charge. This kind of makes sense as after I top-up the charge the issue resolves itself. Stopped happening for quite a number of months, then reappeared
I have been known to put the car into gear and give it a 'rock' back and forth to move the flywheel.....and that has helped also.

It depends somewhat on the type of charger you have. If it is an older type trickle charger without any auto shut off, then it will eventually ruin the battery, through overcharging. However, more modern float type smart chargers are designed to leave connected.
So what I am saying is that, just because the battery has been on constant charge, doesn’t mean that it is in tip top condition. Need to take it to a garage and do a simple load test on it.

Seems potentially to be a lack of voltage/power issue, which could be down to battery condition, or battery connectors neither clean or tight

As described the battery has enough voltage to provide lights in the dash and to pull in the starter solenoid, which presents the battery with huge load requirements of the starter motor windings...which it can not cope with thus the voltage drops off rapidly, which in turn causes the solenoid to drop out of it`s attempt to run the starter..... and in so doing the voltage rises again, the dash lights illuminate once more..... and if the key/button is still held requesting the solenoid to re-energise the cycle will repeat repeat repeat...

Thanks all, all pointing to battery then - I get the feeling its probably gone flat at some point in its life and it is a bit weak even though it is newer than on my old Aero.

My charger is a new C-tek, definately compatible and functional - was used on my last Aero with no issues so definately no problems there.

I’ve had this on all 3 S1 Aeros I’ve owned.

Seems a common issue though Nicks battery could be low. ???

I know it’s not been the battery as if I keep pushing the started button it’ll eventually spin over at the normal rate. So not a battery issue in any of mine

Mine does this too - though it seems to do it more when i haven't driven it for a few weeks.
If i use it every few days it works great.

My car is on an Accumate 24/7 when it's not being driven.

Although the battery may show a reasonable standing idle voltage, when you put it under the large amperage demand of a starter motor it will fail, hence it can barely power the solenoid and you just hear the click of doom

Agree with all the above, only other comment I have heard was poor grounding on the battery terminal making it more difficult. I have definitely had the same issue which has been cured by a new battery.

Thanks all - now the killer question, what is the recommended battery for these?

I know they have a special one but I have heard you can upgrade and there are different variants.

I also recall reading about lighter weight Lithium batteries nowadays that are meant to be strong?