Engine running like crap
 

I’ve been driving the ’29 without any problem, but the day before yesterday it started but sounded like it was running on two cylinders. I checked everything from spark plugs wires to coil connection and even checked to see if the carb was leaking. It wasn’t. I used an ignition tester light to see if I was getting spark to all plugs. I was.

I called our club president, and he said that it sounded like a blown head-gasket. I agreed, so I re-torqued that head. It was fine.

I started it up again and it still ran like crap. So, I said hell with it and did something else that needed to be done.

The next day, I went out there and just looked at everything. Low and behold, the choke lever was no longer in the collar on the gas control rod. Somehow it had dropped off and that choke valve was just a fluttering away in the carb. I put it back where it should be and started the A. Lots of smoke at first, but then it smoothed out.

I’m going to pull all the plugs and clean them because I know they are horribly sooted up. I just thought I’d share this experience so maybe someone else wouldn’t have to go through all the crap that I did if the same thing happened to their car. Check that choke lever first.

Such a simple fix after so much so much frustration is sort of the story of my life.

Have a good one,

Mike

Re: Engine running like crap
 

There's a longish spring that's supposed to keep that choke rod sleeve in place.

Re: Engine running like crap
 

Oh the longish spring is there, but the preious owner had dual carbs on the car when I bought it. So, that control rod is longer than it should be for a single carb.
It was set up to go to the front carb of the dual set-up and sticks out further from the dash than it should. I haven’t figured out how to shorten it, or even if I should. I still might put those dual carbs back on.

Mike

Re: Engine running like crap
 

That little nub on the choke lever will actually wear off,and let the lever flop around.Also a loose,or a stripped nut on the shaft.As for the plugs,if the car was running fine before fixing the problem and still runs,just drive it.Those plugs will clean themselves right up,no need to get dirty pulling them out.

Re: Engine running like crap
 

Keith, I just bough some brand-new grit for my Harbor Freight compressed air spark plug cleaner, so I’ve just got to try the thing out. I bought that cleaner when Harbor Freught first opened in Portland, Oregon so it’s about half as old as my model A. I’m anxious as all get out to stick one of those big hummers in that thing and turn on the air.

Fun, fun, and more fun,

Mike

Re: Engine running like crap
 

Order up a replacement rod and keep the one you have in case you switch back to the dual set up.