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Old 10-10-2020, 09:36 AM   #1
DRG-ler
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Default Model A only runs 40 miles

Hi guys, another little problem. A friend has now also bought a Tudor, but the engine has too little power. He didn't get more than 40 miles. Acceleration isn't particularly good either. I now have a direct comparison with my 1930 Tudor, and that's worlds apart. We have already checked and adjusted the ignition. But everything was OK. If the GAV is not open at least one turn, there will also be misfires!
Then we removed the Zenith carburetor and installed a Tillotson, which made it run even worse. (The carburetor came out of the grabber box.) But then we installed my Zenith carburetor, with which I drive over 60 miles, which also didn't help. Now we're fishing something in the murky and don't know what to do next. In my opinion, he gets enough gasoline. Nothing is dirty either. We also cleaned his carburetor again, but that didn't help either.
Where else could you look?

Greetings Andy
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Old 10-10-2020, 10:03 AM   #2
Patrick L.
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Default Re: Model A only runs 40 miles

What do you mean by only 40 miles ? It overheats or quits ?

Try a compression test. It may have jumped time.[ gears]
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Old 10-10-2020, 10:03 AM   #3
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Default Re: Model A only runs 40 miles

Check for a nice blue spark 1/4 inch from a head bolt
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Old 10-10-2020, 10:04 AM   #4
DRG-ler
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Default Re: Model A only runs 40 miles

The engine just doesn't rev up under load. He can't do it anymore.
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Old 10-10-2020, 10:12 AM   #5
alexiskai
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Default Re: Model A only runs 40 miles

Pretty sure the OP means the engine won't rev up under WOT and is only hitting a 40 mph top speed.
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Old 10-10-2020, 10:21 AM   #6
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Default Re: Model A only runs 40 miles

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You may want to start with some simple diagnostics. By installing your carburetor on his car you have probably eliminated the carburetor as the cause of the problem.

1. Is timing set correctly ? If too retarded, power will be affected.
2. Check compression. Remove all the plugs. Turn off the gas, and check with throttle lever pulled all the way down (Open Throttle)
3. Insure there are no intake manifold leaks.
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Old 10-10-2020, 10:36 AM   #7
30 Closed Cab PU
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Default Re: Model A only runs 40 miles

Check and clean the points and points gap, sounds like possibly the point block has worn down closing down the gap.
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Old 10-10-2020, 10:43 AM   #8
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Default Re: Model A only runs 40 miles

Sounds to me like a timing issue. If you drop the timing all the way down does it ping? It should, lift it just enough to stop the pinging.
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Old 10-10-2020, 10:58 AM   #9
DRG-ler
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Default Re: Model A only runs 40 miles

Quote:
Originally Posted by alexiskai View Post
Pretty sure the OP means the engine won't rev up under WOT and is only hitting a 40 mph top speed.

Check! Exactly, that's what I mean.

We adjusted the timing with the Ignition Timing Tool Kit and the ignition flash gun. Fits exactly to the "gram".

https://www.macsautoparts.com/ford_m...-tool-kit.html

I'll do a compression test. But do I have to get the tester first.
He has no intake manifold leaks. We sprayed it with brake cleaner.

Quote:
Check and clean the points and points gap, sounds like possibly the point block has worn down closing down the gap.

I can still check that. We had not checked the breaker distance and contact.

Changing the timing to a clearer earlier also does not result in an increase in performance. I tried it. I also went up to max, but no improvement.
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Old 10-10-2020, 11:11 AM   #10
Jim Brierley
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Default Re: Model A only runs 40 miles

It sounds like you have checked all the normal things that usually cause that kind of problem. So I would do a compression test first, then I would check the cam timing. By removing the #1 spark plug, and finding TDC (actual TDC, not just by the timing pin) Both valves should be moving as you rock the engine back and forth from TDC. If both aren't moving, the timing gear is probably stripped, or never installed properly. Good luck!
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Old 10-10-2020, 12:03 PM   #11
katy
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Default Re: Model A only runs 40 miles

Check that the car has the proper 6 volt coil, maybe try a different coil.
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Old 10-10-2020, 12:08 PM   #12
Charlie Stephens
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Default Re: Model A only runs 40 miles

Check for full travel of the throttle. Sometimes linkage gets bent.

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Old 10-10-2020, 12:13 PM   #13
Bill Cal.
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Default Re: Model A only runs 40 miles

check your tire pressure
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Old 10-10-2020, 12:15 PM   #14
Patrick L.
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Default Re: Model A only runs 40 miles

Compression test first. All plugs removed.

Points should be set before the timing is checked/adjusted.

Try setting the timing in the normal method.

Again, check the valve/cam timing. it sounds as if the gear jumped a tooth.
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Old 10-10-2020, 12:31 PM   #15
Neil Mylar LakewoodCA
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Default Re: Model A only runs 40 miles

Charlie makes a good point.
I've seen the main throddle linkage get stuck on the flywheel housing and/or the floor board. The part closest to the carburetor could be bent, as well, not allowing the carburetor to open all the way.
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Old 10-10-2020, 12:52 PM   #16
frank55a
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Default Re: Model A only runs 40 miles

One thing that nobody mentioned is check your intake and exhaust valve (lifter) clearances. This is a pretty simple job, depending on what source you read they may vary one way or the other .001 to .002 inch. For example:
1. Les Andrews Exhaust .015" and Intake .013"
2. "The Model A Engine" by McRee Exhaust .012" - .013" and Intake .010 - .012"
3. Per the Ford Service Bulletin page 338 "To ensure a uniform power stroke in each cylinder, it is absolutely necessary that the correct clearance (.010" to .013") be maintained between valves and push rods, ….."


If your valve clearances are not consistent and similar to any of the above the power of the engine will be affected.
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Old 10-10-2020, 01:05 PM   #17
1931 flamingo
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Default Re: Model A only runs 40 miles

I would pull the timing cover and ck alignment of the timing gear to the crank gear. JMO
Paul in CT
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Old 10-10-2020, 01:12 PM   #18
juke joint johnny
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Default Re: Model A only runs 40 miles

Where was your friends Model A built? If it is a European car some of those had the small 3" Bore engine
.Look at the cylinder castings on the side of the engine if there is a large gap between the cylinder outline on 2 and 3 cylinder about 2" then it is the small engine .
they also had 4.55 rear axle ratio from standard the larger engine had 3.78 gears
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Old 10-10-2020, 01:21 PM   #19
Tom Endy
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Default Re: Model A only runs 40 miles

Check that the vent hole in the gas cap is open and not plugged.

Tom Endy
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Old 10-10-2020, 01:34 PM   #20
DRG-ler
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Default Re: Model A only runs 40 miles

First of all, thanks for the many tips, there are still a few points that can be checked.

Tank is leaking enough. At least there is enough petrol, we have already checked that.
Whether the throttle valve opens fully ... the tip is good, I even had the problem myself. I could have guessed it.

The vehicle itself comes from Sweden, and should actually be an originally Danish model. So 3.3L engine and KMH speedometer ... But now that you have told me the difference, it can be checked.

Valve timing, valve clearance, etc. are very complex to check, I will probably look that up last.
Compression and pressure loss tests, on the other hand, can be done on the side.

First of all, thank you for all the feedback.
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Old 10-10-2020, 02:47 PM   #21
juke joint johnny
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Default Re: Model A only runs 40 miles

Most of the Small bore engines have an AF------- engine number and frame number,.
of course that can be changed sometimes if rebuilt.
If it is one of those 40-45 would seem about right
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Old 10-10-2020, 04:21 PM   #22
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Default Re: Model A only runs 40 miles

Brakes dragging?
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Old 10-10-2020, 06:15 PM   #23
Aarongriffey
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Default Re: Model A only runs 40 miles

Do you really think low tire pressure or low compression will or could cause a car to run poor and bike after 40 or 60 miles.
Since the condenser is cheap and easy to change.......
The valve clearance spuds far fetched but I once did a fifties Jaguar that would dies as soon as it warmed up, got hot. It had almost no valve clearance when cold, when it got hot it had no compression. The valves wouldn’t quite close enough to hold any compression.
I’m still suggesting condenser.
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Old 10-10-2020, 08:02 PM   #24
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Default Re: Model A only runs 40 miles

Quote:
Originally Posted by juke joint johnny View Post
Where was your friends Model A built? If it is a European car some of those had the small 3" Bore engine
.Look at the cylinder castings on the side of the engine if there is a large gap between the cylinder outline on 2 and 3 cylinder about 2" then it is the small engine .
they also had 4.55 rear axle ratio from standard the larger engine had 3.78 gears

Here is a picture of the two blocks, small bore on top.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg P1100563.jpg (72.4 KB, 99 views)
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Old 10-11-2020, 12:34 AM   #25
wwirz
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Default Re: Model A only runs 40 miles

I am with aarongriffey. REPLACE THE CONDENSER!!! I struggled for weeks with similar issues. Yesterday I went on a tour and had to replace the condenser again to get home!
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Old 10-11-2020, 08:43 AM   #26
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Default Re: Model A only runs 40 miles

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Mine is running rich and also low on power.....
the other day I noticed the flow maze filter on it has smoke coming out and the screen is all clogged with oil. next week the flow maze is gone.
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Old 10-11-2020, 07:47 PM   #27
Neil Mylar LakewoodCA
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Default Re: Model A only runs 40 miles

Could the rear end have been changed?
Maybe it has a 4:11 ring and pinion?
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Old 10-12-2020, 11:07 AM   #28
Bill Cal.
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Default Re: Model A only runs 40 miles

You bet. And I always like to check the simple things first.
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Old 10-13-2020, 05:35 AM   #29
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Default Re: Model A only runs 40 miles

Check to make sure the ferrule is at the very end of the gas line going into the carb. If it hits the screen, it can restrict flow. It should not matter on a tilliston, but easy to check.
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Old 10-14-2020, 07:47 AM   #30
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Default Re: Model A only runs 40 miles

I would also suggest checking exhaust and manifold for blockage. Critters can get in there with acorns etc and create a restriction. Worth a check happened to me. John
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Old 10-14-2020, 10:49 AM   #31
DRG-ler
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Default Re: Model A only runs 40 miles

Thanks for the full feedback. I'll cover all of the points for coping with the processes, starting with the cheapest measure ... But it will take a while.
Thank you so far to everyone.

Greetings Andy
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Old 10-22-2020, 04:14 PM   #32
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Default Re: Model A only runs 40 miles

Check for vacuum leak at intake manifold where bolted to the engine block; simple and cost free, often the culprit for poor running. Squirt oil on the joint and see if it is pulled into the manifold, or check with propane from an unlit torch which will speed up the idle if drawn into the manifold.
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