Anyone in Cincinnati?
 

I just bought a 31 Town Sedan from New York. It was dropped off last night and I was able to title and plate it today. It died on me this morning and I had to have it towed home.

Before it died it backfired really loud and then just stopped. I had the spark lever at about 1/2 and the hand throttle at about half.

Any ideas where to start? Also any active clubs in Cincinnati, I have searched and emailed a couple and have yet to get a response.

Thanks in advance.

Re: Anyone in Cincinnati?
 

Check the ignition system. What is the status of the condenser? How about the timing? Mac Van Pelt of Van Pelt Sales is located in Cincinnati. Check out his web page. He may also be of assistance to you.

Those slant window town sedans are some of my favorite model A body styles.

Re: Anyone in Cincinnati?
 

I ordered a condenser, points, coil, and plugs from Napa. They will have them tomorrow morning.
It's a new car to me. So I need to change all the fluids still as well.

Re: Anyone in Cincinnati?
 

Welcome and good luck with your new A..

Go over your car before you venture out... Fluids (trans/rear), safety, maint .etc...we would hate to see ya lose a wheel or do other damage...
Read the owners book
http://www.motormayhem.net/wp-upload...ion-Manual.pdf

Re: Anyone in Cincinnati?
 

Thanks for the link to the owners book!
I have a really dirty and water soaked one from the previous owner.

Re: Anyone in Cincinnati?
 

Check the point gap in the distributor. It should be between .018 to .022.
If it is less, it can cause the backfiring and then not start symptons.

Re: Anyone in Cincinnati?
 

Look here;
http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showpo...87&postcount=4

And worded differently here;

http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showpo...09&postcount=4

Re: Anyone in Cincinnati?
 

Perfect. Thanks for the help guys. I am going to check all that.
I just noticed this wire isn't connected to anything.

Anyone know where it is supposed to be connected?

Re: Anyone in Cincinnati?
 

I think it's your generator wire that connect to the cut out. It won't cause the problem you're having, but your system won't charge.

Re: Anyone in Cincinnati?
 

Hmm, is the wire supposed to connect to that terminal on the side of the cut out?
There is a wire connected to the other side of the cut out already like all the pictures I have seen and how it is shown in the mechanics handbook.

Re: Anyone in Cincinnati?
 

The wires attach opposite the generator output stud on the cutout... See diagram

Make sure it's for one of those circuits and not something that's been jury rigged

Re: Anyone in Cincinnati?
 

Check your PM

Re: Anyone in Cincinnati?
 

Ok, so there are supposed to be wires on each end of the cut off?

So I can just crimp a connector on the loose wire and attach it to this screw?

Sorry, just trying to understand. That seems like the only place that wire could attach.

Re: Anyone in Cincinnati?
 

they go on the other side. Fan belt side

Re: Anyone in Cincinnati?
 

Oh wow. Ok. So I am missing about 6 inches of wire.

Re: Anyone in Cincinnati?
 

It's most likely an extra wire for turn signals or something added. Your output wire looks like it's connected, and a second wire in that loom coming out the front is not factory.

Re: Anyone in Cincinnati?
 

You should be starting the car with the Spark Lever at top of the arc. This will have the engine fire when the engine is at Top Dead Centre and once started move the lever down to half way

Starting the car with the Spark Lever at the top or TDC will put less strain on the starter and engine

Starting procedure is explained in the Owner's Manual

Re: Anyone in Cincinnati?
 

I spent most of the day trying to get her to start. No success.
I changed the plugs. Put a new condenser in. Put a new fan belt on. And then followed Les Andrews timing instructions.
When I hit the starter it's very slow to turn over, and the car won't even act like it wants to start.

Any members in Cincinnati that wouldn't mind looking at her with me?

Re: Anyone in Cincinnati?
 

Post #12 says check your PM!! That is a private message!! When you log into the Barn it says Wecome xxxxxx in that area is where you can access your PM's hope this helps :-)

Re: Anyone in Cincinnati?
 

Did you do any of the checks back in post 7? What did you find?