Starting Instructions Help

[amikeller1]

Hello-

I am new to this forum. My grandfather recently passed away, and was the proud owner of three Model T's, and one fully restored and functional 1930 Model A Ford. My father is trying to get it started. Could anyone out there give me step by step instructions on how to get it started? The estate Auction is this weekend, and we'd like to get it moved out of there, as it's staying within the family. Thanks for any help anyone can offer!

[critterpainter]

If you are referring to starting the "A" here goes: 1. turn on the fuel (reach under the dash just rt of center and locate the shutoff valve). Turn handle til the lever points down to the floor.

2. Locate the choke knob. It is on the passenger side of the dash. Rotate it counter-clockwise 1/2 turn.

3. push the lever under the steering wheel on the left side all the way up. This is the spark advance lever and up is full retard.

4. locate the starter button. It is on the floor between the gas pedal and the brake pedal and closer to the firewall. (from left to right the pedals are clutch, brake, starter, gas, and the footrest which does not move.

5. turn the key on. (if it is the original ingnition switch the key will "pop-out" to you a 1/4 inch or so.

6.pull up on the choke rod and depress the starter button. After it starts OR after 6-7 spins of the engine release the choke lever and only use it as necessary to keep the car running.

7. Advance (pull down) the spark lever about 1/2 way.

8. As the engine warms up screw the choke lever in (clockwise) 1/4-1/2 turn. (listen to the engine) This will lean-out the fuel mixture.

This is what MY "A" wants when I start it cold, other cars may react differently. Some "A"'s want a little throttle while starting.

Bill

[FomocoService]

Good instructions from critterpainter...

one thing I might add is you may have to richen the mixture(by turning the choke rod counterclockwise more than 1/2 a turn) and you may have to hold the choke until it starts.

As soon as it's running advance the spark(left lever down)

I have 5 different Model 'A's in the shop now that are customer cars and they all start differently as far as initial settings.

[amikeller1]

Thanks! We got it started this weekend, and drove it. appreciate your help!

[Jan Arnett]

Now the Model T's are a whole different animal to get started and the first question is what years are the T's so we can determine if they have starters. Using a crank to start a car is a very different experience.

Have a nice day <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />