Talk Morgan Forums Thread Like Summary - Engine doesn't start - only rattling noise!?

When I tried to start my Morgan today, the engine wouldn't start, but there was a rattling noise - like a machine gun.

Does maybe the starter pinion not engage properly?
I tried to move my Morgan a bit so that the teeth of the gears come into a different position, but this didn't help.
(Since it is parked in a duplex garage, I have no room in the front and I can't push it upwards.).

Can you relate to the error description rattling noise instead of starting engine?
And how to solve the problem?

It's likely to be low voltage from the battery, either because the car has not been used for a while or the battery is failing. There is not enough power to spin the starter motor fast enough for the teeth to engage with the flywheel

If you can, try jump starting.

Yes charge the battery or fit a new fully charged one.

What is very likely happening is that battery charge and/or capacity has reduced to such a low level that when the starter is operated, the current drain drops battery voltage to such a level the solenoid that piggy backs the starter itself drops out. Current draw is removed and battery volts rise just enough for the start sequence to repeat. This typically happens several times a second hence machine gun sound.

do be aware that letting a battery discharge that far (especially if it is glass mat) seriously shortens the life of the battery