How to Start a Model A on a Cold Morning - I Found the Instruction Book!
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- čas přidán 19. 03. 2021
- For the last month, outdoor temperatures in the mornings here in Sequim, Washington were well below freezing. I had not started or driven my 1931 Ford Model A pickup since this cold snap. But on this morning, an installation technician from Olympic Garage Door was coming out at 9 a.m. to replace our garage door opener, which had burned out several days earlier. I had about an hour and a half to manually open our garage door, start the Model A and drive it out of the garage.
Last month, when I was talking with my 95-year-old father, the previous owner of my Model A on the phone, I asked him for some tips on how to start and shift the truck on cold days. My dad said that he really had no suggestions because he had owned it for so long, it was second nature to him. Then he asked me if I had looked at the owner’s manual. I was not aware that he had included the owner’s manual in the boxes of books, magazines and other items that he gave me along with his Model A. My dad said he thought it he put it in the pocket of a blue folder. I found it! The Model “A” Instruction Book! This book is full of useful information and instructions for the operation and servicing of the Model A. I regret that I hadn’t found this Instruction Book earlier.
Turn the silver choke knob to the left one turn, that richens the mixture for cold weather starting, then back to the right to 1/4 to 1/ 2 open as the engine warms up ( page 8 in your book) also note on page 6 where it says to leave the spark up until the engine starts or you can damage the starter.
Thank you for your comment! I am aware of these instructions for starting a Model A. Unfortunately, the choke rod knob (GAV) does not turn inside the cab so it is not possible to change the fuel mixture while starting the engine. My dad told me that the Zenith carburetor was replaced with an upgraded model that does not have this GAV adjustment, but I am not sure I agree. Looking through his old receipts, he bought a rebuilt Zenith carburetor in 2003. The carburetor is stamped "Zenith-1," which was the first version (there are 3 versions). So, my thinking is that either the choke rod linkage has been damaged over the years or it was installed improperly by my dad's mechanic. Since we moved to Sequim, I have been looking for a mechanic who has the skill, knowledge and passion for servicing and repairing my Model A. The pandemic has put my search on pause.
Thanks again for your comment and for watching my video!
- Randall
Gorgeous truck, thanks a bunch for showing us the cold, cold start.
Spark advance does nothing to assist the start. It only stresses parts. For start you definitely want the spark at maximum compression which is at top dead center or at slightly after(I am assuming your car is properly timed).
Fuel mixture is the only variable you need to be thinking about and that has only three possible adjustments.
1. Throttle position (idle should be richer and opening leaner but allows for higher rpm)
2. Choke makes carb mixture richer by restricting air less air more fuel = easier to ignite mixture.
3. Mixture adjust from choke knob needs to work if you want it to start trouble free in cold weather.
The model A standard carburetor has no accelerator pump so pumping the accelerator does absolutely nothing. On carburetors with accelerator pumps they put a squirt of gas in the throat with each pump. The updraft carburetor on model A would be dangerous with an accelerator pump because a backfire with excess fuel would easily catch fire by blowing out fuel and it would just over the area underneath the engine.
If you want your model A to start and run perfectly return it to the original carburetor design the ability to adjust mixture for cold vs warm is invaluable.
I used to have an old Ford escort Mk1 that would start just like that !
Have you talked to Paul shinn online or on social media he's owned a few of model A's and model T knows a lot about. He has rebuilt to he could be a great guide for helping you along your way.
I gave up half way through. Hope you got the car started.
I'm sorry, my friend, but your truck is starting despite your efforts. Pumping the gas has no effect, it has no accelerator pump. Spark UP. It may not be turning over slowly because of a low battery, but because the spark is advanced too far and firing against itself. Throttle down 4-5 clicks. Key on (turning it on and off and on between attempts has no effect). Choke out for a couple revolutions, then in when it starts. Keep your hand on the choke and when the engine starts to stumble before stalling give it a quick pull for a shot of gas, then pushed in right away. No sarcasm here, just trying to get you there. Best of luck.
gregwddriver, I agree with most of your comments. I’m sharing my awkward, sometimes embarrassing attempts at starting and shifting my Model A so that viewers who have mechanical experience with a Model A can help me figure this out. Do you have such knowledge? Do you have an idea as to why the GAV doesn’t turn for adjusting the fuel mixture?
Thank you for your comment and watching my video!
@@randallwingett First off, thanks for being a good sport. I was afraid I sounded like I was busting your chops. Everybody is new at this at first. I have been in Model A's many years, but have to profess, I am not a Zenith expert by any means. Shifting is a matter of timing. The more you drive, the better you will get. I wish we could chat in person, but putting my email or number here wouldn't be wise. I have to trust we will meet somewhere sometime. Cheers, Greg
Randall,
Good to see another video related to your Model A Pickup. Great car.
Your engine almost started right away and then after a few seconds it died. This shows that your engine is generally in a good shape and is willing to start , but it also indicates that it does not get enough gas to keep it running after the cold start.
Opening the throttle gives the engine more gas, but unfortunately also more air. And so the mixture, which is required for proper ignition, is too lean.
There is one advice in the Instruction Book that will improve the cold start. Please have a look at chapter 3 on page 8, it is shown at 1:20 in your video. Turn the choke rod ( double function: pull to choke, turn to adjust the mixture) one full turn to the left before you press the starter button. This will give the engine a richer mixture, independent of the position of the throttle lever position. In general: more gas for the same amount of air.
Once the engine started and is getting warmer after a few minutes, you can turn the choke knob step by step to the right to go back to the normal position.
Give it a try next time. I am pretty sure it will help and your Model A will start right away even at low temperatures.
Greetings from Germany,
Bernd
Bernd, thank you for your comment and suggestion! I agree that this is a gas issue. Unfortunately, the choke rod knob (GAV) does not turn inside the cab so it is not possible to change the fuel mixture while starting the engine. My dad told me that the Zenith carburetor was replaced with an upgraded model that does not have this GAV adjustment, but I am not sure I agree. Looking through his old receipts, he bought a rebuilt Zenith carburetor in 2003. The carburetor is stamped "Zenith-1," which was the first version (there are 3 versions). So, my thinking is that either the choke rod linkage has been damaged over the years or it was installed improperly by my dad's mechanic. Since we moved to Sequim, I have been looking for a mechanic who has the skill, knowledge and passion for servicing and repairing my Model A. The pandemic has put my search on pause.
Thanks again for your comment and for watching my video!
- Randall
That was one if the most painful cold starts i have ever heard. The engine was trying to push the starter backwards, too much advance, not a flat battery. Spark should be fully retarded when cranking. It will start fine if its timed correctly, if it kicks back it will bust the pinion gear clean off. Ask how I found that out. Turn mixture knob to fully closed, then anti clockwise to 7/8 turn open. Idle open 3 notches.
Fuel tap on, neutral. Hit starter and Pull primer/mixture lever out while cranking, it should immediately fire, push primer in. Advance idle to fast tickover, advance ign 2 notches, let it warm up, as it warms up, rotate mixture knob to be about 1/4 open when warm. (assuming the carb is set correctly). Never screw it down hard as that will damage the carb needle
Advance is about 1 notch per 5 mph. I set mine about 4 notches in traffic, and fully advanced when over 30 mph.
Mine starts easily in below freezing using the above method.
Really. Learning curve. But I got it started with no prior experience. And my Model A is still running great. Thank you for watching and for your comment!