HELP! I can't start my 28 roadster!
 

I need some assoatance with starting my 28 roadster. This is the first time I have ever owned a car this old much less a model a. So I am a newbie to all of this. I have read the original manual and other books but even after trying different combinations I have had no luck. I need to get it started soon as I have to go to a car show with it the 25th of August. By the way, this is a restored car with a 1931 ford engine in it with no modifications. Before I bought it, the previous owner had it all serviced and checked. I don't think there is anything qrong with it, I just need some insight from the seasoned veterans of model a's to get this puppy started.

Re: HELP! I can't start my 28 roadster!
 

The problem could be any number of things. If you don't live far from whomever you bought the car from , then get them to help you. Or, someone with Model A experience. A Model A will run if it has.
1.Spark
2. Compression
3. Fuel
Beyond that, it's a crap shoot. Good luck.

Re: HELP! I can't start my 28 roadster!
 

Thats part of the problem: the car is from Miami. I have been trying to track down someone near me that has knowledge of these things. Most of those guys are gone now.

Re: HELP! I can't start my 28 roadster!
 

Since you are a beginner in the Model A world, I gotta ask the obvious question: Have you turned on the fuel valve at the bottom the tank? Virtually every first-time Model A owner overlooks this basic step in starting his new toy. Because the car was shipped to you from Miami, the owner or trucker most likely turned off the fuel valve for shipment as a safety precaution. There would be enough gas left in the carb to start the car upon arrival and back it off the trailer - but not much more.
Marshall

Re: HELP! I can't start my 28 roadster!
 

Are you putting the spark control lever up? Is there a local Model A club that might have someone willing to come over and take a look?

Charlie Stephens

Re: HELP! I can't start my 28 roadster!
 

Yes, I am aware of that and I always make sure to switch that on.

Re: HELP! I can't start my 28 roadster!
 

Have you used the car since you got it? If so, you must know the procedure to start it. Are you sure you are doing all the steps? I have forgot to turn on the switch on occasion, to the safety cut of switch on the battery if so equipped. Is there gas in the tank? If all this is good you will have to start troubleshooting.

Re: HELP! I can't start my 28 roadster!
 

First off is the engine turning over?
If it is do you have spark?
If it’s turning over put the spark plug wires about a quarter inch away from the tips of the spark plugs to see if you have spark jumping the gap.
Does gas drip out of the carburetor after cranking it over and holding the choke closed. Usually gas will drip out of the carburetor after a half dozen or so revolutions with the choke pulled closed.
Let us know what you see after trying this.
Need more info to help you.

Re: HELP! I can't start my 28 roadster!
 

given the circumstances you'll need to locate a local to assist you

Re: HELP! I can't start my 28 roadster!
 

I was able to start it up drive it up my driveway and into my garage. I have covered everything I can think of, i have the original manual and i have read it more times I can count. Definetely gas in the tank.

Re: HELP! I can't start my 28 roadster!
 

When starting the car, I can almost get it to start up. My car is very touchy with all the levers and choke rod. I can almost get it to start and run but it fizzles out no matter what I do. Some gas does drip out after my attempts. I do have sparks jumping which I checked. I think I found someone that can come help in person but I hope it is soon enough.

Re: HELP! I can't start my 28 roadster!
 

Hopefully that person near you can help you. Just in case, it sounds like the car might be flooded if gas is dripping out of the carb. How long do you have the choke held out? It usually is held out for one or two cranks of the engine to get enough gas to the carb, then let go (pushed in). Also, is your throttle lever pushed all the way up, or down a few clicks. Most people have better success starting the car if the throttle lever is down a few clicks and the spark lever is all the way up.

Good luck with getting it started - it sounds like it is a matter of just getting familiar with your car.

Re: HELP! I can't start my 28 roadster!
 

Re: HELP! I can't start my 28 roadster!
 

Make sure the GAV is not turned out too far. Close it all the way and then open 1/2 turn.

John

Re: HELP! I can't start my 28 roadster!
 

My gas lever is at 2:30-3 position.
If not timed right fully retarded (up) may not be right, try pulling it down when it begins to start.

Re: HELP! I can't start my 28 roadster!
 

Thanks everybody for the advice. Hopefully the guy near me can teach me a thing or two :)

Re: HELP! I can't start my 28 roadster!
 

Chris: So it sputters and dies? I always turn the GAV, which is the same as the choke rod from the carburetor , a couple turns open, counter clockwise, and then close it or nearly close it after warm up. Are you doing that? I just noticed that you are from Spring Grove. Not far from me in Sharon, WI. I emailed you my phone#. Call if still having problems. Mike

Re: HELP! I can't start my 28 roadster!
 

I think I have done that; I tried so many different adjustments I have forgot some!

Sharon isn't too far from me at all. Don't they have a model a show up there every year?

Re: HELP! I can't start my 28 roadster!
 

Yes. It's called Model A Day. First Sunday in June every year since 1997.