Freaked out by strange sound!

[Efini]

Okay, I've just finished changing my thermostat, IC o-ring etc..
So i try to start it up. It's turning a bit slow because the battery is somewhat drained, but after a few turns it makes a freaking ratatatatata noise. Or it was more like clikcking actually. Tried it again, same noise. Now I'm afraid to even look at the car.
Any ideas what it might be?

[Chris M]

Sounds like the battery is dead and its the solinoid chattering on the starter. Nothing major to worry about. Stick some jump leads on it and get it started.

HTH,

Cheers,

Chris

[porkkis]

Sticky bendix unit in the starter. Presumably.

[Fat Audi 80]

Yep - Solenoid not quite kicking and bouncing.

Should be reet with a charge or worse case a new battery....