Starting issue

[RobGould88]

I have had the Aubergine 1973.5 911t sportomatic for about six weeks. I had the car starting and driving it to the base of my driveway, practicing the sportomatic but not on the road yet as I get things sorted out. Usually started on first turn of ignition, with throttle on position one. The gas gauge is not working yet, so I put a gallon in the tank a week just for my practice runs. Saturday I pushed the. car out of the garage not to wake the neighbors, clean out the car but when I went to start the car to pull it back into garage, had trouble starting, would crank but not catch. Finally after opening the throttle to three, it started after the fifth or six try and I was able to pull the car into the garage. Now the car will not start at all. It will either crank and immediately stop or if I do that I few times, just start clicking when turning the key.
Lights work, battery at 12 volts, so I think the battery is good.
The belts turn freely so the engine is not seized.
With the gas gauge not working, I think, I think the tank is not dry, I put 1.25 gallons in on Wednesday.
I am thinking starter vs ignition?
Any other tips or tricks to try to diagnosis for those trying to become mechanically inclined before I bring it to the Porsche dealer in October to get it ready for the spring. the forum has been helpful, I am trying to learn as much as I can about the car.
The drives to the end of the driveway have been fun.
Thanks
Rob

[edmayo]

Take the battery to local auto parts and have it actually load tested. Remove fuel sender and look into tank to visually verify you have gas.

[RobGould88]

Thank you, will do that after work. Another sound I am hearing now is multiple clicks from the underside of the car, when I have the door open and trying to start the car.

[edmayo]

That's the starter trying to operate with a weak battery.

[xpensivewino]

I would also put more gas in than 1 gallon. Even running just a few times one gallon when spread across the surface area of these tanks is not a lot. If you have sediment in the tank you’re risking a blockage.

[RobGould88]

Thanks everyone, some projects after work

[RobGould88]

I tried to jumpstart the car given the weak battery. The ignition just clicks.is that more of an ignition or starter issue? Or just a very weak battery? The headlights do work.

[edmayo]

The clicking is the starter trying to stay engaged. If battery is very weak it will even pull down jumper battery, and most jumper cables are not large enough wire. Could also be weak starter, that's why it is essential to know true ability of battery first.

[RobGould88]

I am taking the battery next to get load tested
Thanks

[66S]

Pull a spark plug or two or six to see if they are fouled.