towing to start a 1917 T
 

I have a new to me 1917 T Touring I can't get it started. It was sitting for a few years, I have put a new set of plugs rebuilt the carburetor, new commutator, coils have a good spark! My arm is getting sore from cranking. My question is can I tow it in high gear and try to start it that way?

Re: towing to start a 1917 T
 

jack one wheel in the rear off the ground- much easier to start..........

Re: towing to start a 1917 T
 

If your coils are buzzing, can you get sparks on #1 plug when you rotate it through with the hand crank? Will each cylinder build compression? If it has a stuck valve or two, you can pull it all day without it starting. It doesn't have to have a lot of compression but it has to have enough to draw in a mixture. It may build a bit more compression if you squirt some oil in each cylinder. Marvel Mystery Oil or a good penetrant can help free up sticky rings & valves.

You mentioned rebuilding the carburetor but what about the fuel tank? Is it in good clean condition? Cars that set a long time can get pretty fouled up.

Re: towing to start a 1917 T
 

If the coils are working I would try a shot of starting fluid first before working on any thing else.

Re: towing to start a 1917 T
 

The tank is in good shape, I did jack up the rear tire, I pulled off the head and 1 valve was stuck but not bad. I will try some starter fluid but I was wondering if it is a bad idea to tow it a short distance and that would jump it?

Re: towing to start a 1917 T
 

Don't pull the front axle out of it. If you do make sure it is on video, cause you might recoup the repair bills. Get a bunch of friends for a push party. Our club push started one once!

PS: the driver better be experienced also, the urge/tendency to throw in the clutch fully is a real strong one when it starts.

Re: towing to start a 1917 T
 

I 2ed the driver better have some drive time and know how to use the pedals. When the car starts in excitement the low pedal could get pressed all the way down right into low and back of tow car.

Re: towing to start a 1917 T
 

Many of the "New Commutators" sold by the vendors are poorly made. Do you still have the original one? You need to have 2+ gallons of fuel in the car. Set the carburetor one turn from closed on the mixture knob. Make sure the timing is set properly so that spark for the #1 piston occurs just past TDC with the lever all the way up. You may have to bend the timer rod to get this right.

Re: towing to start a 1917 T
 

Well towed it with a pickup around the block and it started right up. Just needed to losen
her up from sitting so long!

Re: towing to start a 1917 T
 

Great! Thanks for letting us know, now go have fun! :)

Re: towing to start a 1917 T
 

My 1914 Model T must be hand cranked also. It doesn't start as easily as I would like it and the reason is that the compression is only 42# - 45#. However, Retard the Spark, open the throttle wide open with the ignition off and charge the engine with gas fumes with five hand cranks & full choke, with someone at the wheel to reduce the engine speed on starting or reduce the throttle to 50%. Turn on the ignition (I assume you are using a battery to energize the coils), crank the engine.



I like the NH carburetor, very simple and easy to maintain. Lately, I have been carrying a spray can of Starting Either. At 77 yrs., I also get tired of cranking the car! Note that if the throttle is not wide open during the priming process, you do have a restriction for the gas fumes to go into the engine and poor compression makes this process even more difficult. Good luck, Ed

Re: towing to start a 1917 T
 

Welcome to the "affliction"!

Re: towing to start a 1917 T
 

thumbs up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!