The Ford Barn

kursed30 · 05-13-2021, 03:48 PM

So battery issue has potentially been solved. Got the car to turn over and run for about 5 seconds. I put a new fuel valve on and a new sediment bowl. After some adjusting the carburetor screw I got it to idle for about 30 secs before it died and had a slight back fire. Fuel issue? Timing issue?

Patrick L. · 05-13-2021, 04:34 PM

What kind of carburetor ?
Where is GAV set ?
Where is idle mix screw set ?
Where is idle speed screw set ? How fast ?

Timing ? Where is it set ? Base should be set at 0º/TDC. Lever up for starting.

kursed30 · 05-13-2021, 04:43 PM

I inherited this car 2 weeks ago. I don't squat about it. What kind of carb? I'm assuming the same one that's been on there for 91 years. As for the rest..I will admit, this is all new to me man. lol I am learning as i go

GerryAllen · 05-13-2021, 05:00 PM

Hang in there it only gets better

Model A Ron · 05-13-2021, 05:16 PM

I do not know you level of automotive knowledge but I can tell you that the Model A is very simple car however in some ways very different from what you may or may not have seen in the past. I am in my late 40's and my Model A was a new experience for me and I am just getting started myself. The good news is the learning curve is very sharp if your mechanically inclined and it sounds like you are.

I highly recommend joining your local Model A Club. The people in the clubs are very friendly and helpful. I am sure someone in your area would give you a hand. If you were closer I would be happy to stop by and help if for nothing more than to meet you and see what you got.

Ron

Jack Shaft · 05-13-2021, 05:26 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Im a 'positive waves' kinda guy..try a different name for the car..

Oldgearz · 05-13-2021, 05:42 PM

Did you have good gas flow at the fuel line to carb connection when the gas valve is open? If you do, then at least you know there is plenty of fuel to the carb. If there isn't good gas flow, you have to fix that issue. Try spraying some carb cleaner or starting fluid into the air intake of the carb while someone is cranking the engine. Keep your face away in case of backfire. If engine starts and runs for 3-4 seconds and you can do that several times, issue may be in carb and you might want to take it off and open it up to spray out the gunk. You can get parts at the Model A supply houses for a carb rebuild or for points, condenser, etc.

nkaminar · 05-13-2021, 06:36 PM

Kursed 30 and Model A Ron and any other newbe's. A copy of the Model A Instruction Book is at the link below. Read it. It will answer a lot of questions. However, it pertains to a completely stock Model A so if things have been changed there may be some differences in you car.

https://www.palmbeachas.com/Model-A-...ion-Manual.pdf

Model A Ron · 05-13-2021, 07:50 PM

The Model A Handbook is good as well......the red book

Model A Ron · 05-13-2021, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kursed30

I inherited this car 2 weeks ago. I don't squat about it. What kind of carb? I'm assuming the same one that's been on there for 91 years. As for the rest..I will admit, this is all new to me man. lol I am learning as i go

Take a photo of the the carb and post it. It should be a Zenith if it's stock. I keep my GAV open about an 1/8th. You can start a 1/4 turn but remember to close it easy to see the position and then turn it to the left. The GAV I have has a bit of free play in it. You also may have crud in the carb so take off the bottom nut after you disconnect the linkage and see what's in there.

Ron

nkaminar · 05-14-2021, 07:34 AM

There are several good reference books available from the vendors. My favorite vendor is https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/ but the other vendors are good too.

kursed30 · 05-14-2021, 09:23 AM

I dont think it is the original. I have one in a spare parts box that i also received that says "Zenith-2" on it also but its rough looking.

nkaminar · 05-14-2021, 10:34 AM

I believe that is a Tillotson carburetor. They were an aftermarket carburetor available for Model A. They are reputed to be better performing than the original Zenith. The problem with them is that they are make of pot metal and warp over the years, especially the flange that attaches to the intake manifold if the bolts are over tightened. You can tell if there is a vacuum leak by spraying some WD-40 at the flange to see if the engine speed changes. If it does then there is a leak.

If you are having problems with the carburetor, take it apart and clean it out with carburetor cleaner and compressed air. You don't have to take everything apart, just separate the halves. If you feel like you are not capable of this, get someone to help. Gasket sets are available from the vendors and there are people who will rebuild it for you for a price.

nkaminar · 05-14-2021, 10:39 AM

To adjust the idle first retard the spark then set the idle speed up by twisting in the screw that is on the throttle arm just enough so that the engine will keep running. Then adjust the mixture screw that you circled in or out to get the best idle. Then lower the engine speed and again adjust the mixture. Repeat this until you get a nice slow idle. Then advance the spark to the normal running position, which varies with different cars.

ArtimusGordon · 05-14-2021, 11:14 AM

WELCOME TO FORD BARN! I recommend you purchase Les Andrew’s first two books. They’re quite helpful to NEW and OLDER Model A owners. They are available from Model A dealers.

JayJay · 05-14-2021, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArtimusGordon

WELCOME TO FORD BARN! I recommend you purchase Les Andrew’s first two books. They’re quite helpful to NEW and OLDER Model A owners. They are available from Model A dealers.

I'm sure that in this context you meant "LONG TIME", didn't you?

All kidding aside, this is good advice. First place to start to learn about how to work on your new (!) car. Volume 1 (red) definitely, Volume 2 (green) also valuable.

JayJay

05-13-2021, 03:48 PM	#1
kursed30 Member Join Date: May 2021 Location: Omaha, Ne. Posts: 46	Now onto a new issue!! So battery issue has potentially been solved. Got the car to turn over and run for about 5 seconds. I put a new fuel valve on and a new sediment bowl. After some adjusting the carburetor screw I got it to idle for about 30 secs before it died and had a slight back fire. Fuel issue? Timing issue?

05-13-2021, 04:34 PM	#2
Patrick L. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Largo Florida Posts: 7,225	Re: Now onto a new issue!! What kind of carburetor ? Where is GAV set ? Where is idle mix screw set ? Where is idle speed screw set ? How fast ? Timing ? Where is it set ? Base should be set at 0º/TDC. Lever up for starting.

05-13-2021, 04:43 PM	#3
kursed30 Member Join Date: May 2021 Location: Omaha, Ne. Posts: 46	Re: Now onto a new issue!! I inherited this car 2 weeks ago. I don't squat about it. What kind of carb? I'm assuming the same one that's been on there for 91 years. As for the rest..I will admit, this is all new to me man. lol I am learning as i go

05-13-2021, 05:00 PM	#4
GerryAllen Senior Member Join Date: May 2018 Location: Birch Bay WA Posts: 190	Re: Now onto a new issue!! Hang in there it only gets better

05-13-2021, 05:16 PM	#5
Model A Ron Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Troutman, NC Posts: 717	Re: Now onto a new issue!! I do not know you level of automotive knowledge but I can tell you that the Model A is very simple car however in some ways very different from what you may or may not have seen in the past. I am in my late 40's and my Model A was a new experience for me and I am just getting started myself. The good news is the learning curve is very sharp if your mechanically inclined and it sounds like you are. I highly recommend joining your local Model A Club. The people in the clubs are very friendly and helpful. I am sure someone in your area would give you a hand. If you were closer I would be happy to stop by and help if for nothing more than to meet you and see what you got. Ron

05-13-2021, 05:26 PM	#6
Jack Shaft BANNED Join Date: Dec 2019 Posts: 1,196	Re: Now onto a new issue!! Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Im a 'positive waves' kinda guy..try a different name for the car..

05-13-2021, 05:42 PM	#7
Oldgearz Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Sagle, Idaho Posts: 359	Re: Now onto a new issue!! Did you have good gas flow at the fuel line to carb connection when the gas valve is open? If you do, then at least you know there is plenty of fuel to the carb. If there isn't good gas flow, you have to fix that issue. Try spraying some carb cleaner or starting fluid into the air intake of the carb while someone is cranking the engine. Keep your face away in case of backfire. If engine starts and runs for 3-4 seconds and you can do that several times, issue may be in carb and you might want to take it off and open it up to spray out the gunk. You can get parts at the Model A supply houses for a carb rebuild or for points, condenser, etc.

05-13-2021, 06:36 PM	#8
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,899	Re: Now onto a new issue!! Kursed 30 and Model A Ron and any other newbe's. A copy of the Model A Instruction Book is at the link below. Read it. It will answer a lot of questions. However, it pertains to a completely stock Model A so if things have been changed there may be some differences in you car. https://www.palmbeachas.com/Model-A-...ion-Manual.pdf __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

05-13-2021, 07:50 PM	#9
Model A Ron Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Troutman, NC Posts: 717	Re: Now onto a new issue!! The Model A Handbook is good as well......the red book

05-14-2021, 07:34 AM	#11
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,899	Re: Now onto a new issue!! There are several good reference books available from the vendors. My favorite vendor is https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/ but the other vendors are good too. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

05-14-2021, 10:34 AM	#13
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,899	Re: Now onto a new issue!! I believe that is a Tillotson carburetor. They were an aftermarket carburetor available for Model A. They are reputed to be better performing than the original Zenith. The problem with them is that they are make of pot metal and warp over the years, especially the flange that attaches to the intake manifold if the bolts are over tightened. You can tell if there is a vacuum leak by spraying some WD-40 at the flange to see if the engine speed changes. If it does then there is a leak. If you are having problems with the carburetor, take it apart and clean it out with carburetor cleaner and compressed air. You don't have to take everything apart, just separate the halves. If you feel like you are not capable of this, get someone to help. Gasket sets are available from the vendors and there are people who will rebuild it for you for a price. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past. Last edited by nkaminar; 05-14-2021 at 10:43 AM.

05-14-2021, 10:39 AM	#14
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,899	Re: Now onto a new issue!! To adjust the idle first retard the spark then set the idle speed up by twisting in the screw that is on the throttle arm just enough so that the engine will keep running. Then adjust the mixture screw that you circled in or out to get the best idle. Then lower the engine speed and again adjust the mixture. Repeat this until you get a nice slow idle. Then advance the spark to the normal running position, which varies with different cars. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

05-14-2021, 11:14 AM	#15
ArtimusGordon Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Grants Pass, Oregon Posts: 79	Re: Now onto a new issue!! WELCOME TO FORD BARN! I recommend you purchase Les Andrew’s first two books. They’re quite helpful to NEW and OLDER Model A owners. They are available from Model A dealers.