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Old 09-11-2016, 11:57 AM   #1
toms32
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Question Staarting model A

I just got my model A so please do not hold it against me for a stupid question. The spark advance lever on the left side of the steering wheel . It says that it should be in the retard position. Does that mean the lever should be all the way up or all the way down where the hole is ? Thanks
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Old 09-11-2016, 12:03 PM   #2
johnbuckley
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Default Re: Staarting model A

up for retard.. I drove with a post-it notes on the dash to remind me which was hand throttle and which was advance /retard and which way to move the levers ....for 4 months when I first got an A!!
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Old 09-11-2016, 12:17 PM   #3
H. L. Chauvin
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Default Re: Staarting model A

Hi John,

Thanks for such a humble and encouraging positive answer.

Nothing like reading the very seldom honest Model A Forum responses which lets everyone know that we "all" experienced a Model A learning curve which appears to never end.
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Old 09-11-2016, 12:19 PM   #4
Charlie Stephens
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Default Re: Staarting model A

Quote:
Originally Posted by toms32 View Post
I just got my model A so please do not hold it against me for a stupid question. The spark advance lever on the left side of the steering wheel . It says that it should be in the retard position. Does that mean the lever should be all the way up or all the way down where the hole is ? Thanks
"Up" to start up.

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Old 09-11-2016, 12:20 PM   #5
Phil Brown
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Default Re: Staarting model A

My grandfather told me that you start it "up"
easy way to remember
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Old 09-11-2016, 12:34 PM   #6
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Default Re: Staarting model A

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Welcome to the Wonderful World of the A. You are going to have a lot of fun. Just remember, the more you drive it, the better it will run.
Here is the playlist of videos that may help you. A lot more than you need, but they may answer a few questions.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...rIa0r_fFQcz4R0
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Old 09-11-2016, 12:35 PM   #7
Patrick L.
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Default Re: Staarting model A

So, to start
fuel on
Left lever up [retard like everyone said]
right lever down a bit
key on
push button
pull out choke [and almost immediately release]

Once started,
left lever down half way to 9:00 [ up is 10:00, down is 8:00, almost]
right lever back up enough to keep engine running
once warm, at about very steady level 40 mph, move spark lever to position that seems to make engine the 'happiest'. Should be at about 9:00-9:30. Thats where to set spark lever for vast majority of driving.
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Old 09-11-2016, 12:49 PM   #8
30ccpickup
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Default Re: Staarting model A

Here is my take on it. This follows the owner's manual, but is animated.
http://modelabasics.com/Starting%20&%20Driving.htm
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http://MODELABASICS.com/ How Things Work on a Model "A" Ford

Fordbarners, Feel free to use the pictures on my site to answer questions and create tutorials/tech articles.
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Old 09-11-2016, 12:54 PM   #9
Tom Wesenberg
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Default Re: Staarting model A

Quote:
Originally Posted by toms32 View Post
I just got my model A so please do not hold it against me for a stupid question. The spark advance lever on the left side of the steering wheel . It says that it should be in the retard position. Does that mean the lever should be all the way up or all the way down where the hole is ? Thanks
I'm wondering what hole? Did someone maybe drill a hole in the grooved plate so the advance can't be pulled all the way down?

All the way down is 40* advance, and the Model A only needs about 28* at full speed.
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Old 09-11-2016, 01:04 PM   #10
Benson
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Default Re: Staarting model A

After following the steps in post 7 when it is cold outside ... if the engine promptly dies.

1. Open the GAV knob an additional 1/2 turn or so ... this gives a richer mixture so that the engine will not stall.

2. Repeat choke operation remembering that 1/2 second of choke is all that is needed.

3. Then turn GAV slowly clockwise as engine warms up ...1/4 to 1/2 turn off the seat after warmup is normal on most engines.

For those with no experiences with a manual choke ... When using the choke:

Remember that the choke only works when the engine is turning over.

Do not laugh I went to help a guy whose car would not start ... He pulled the choke for a second and released it and then hit the starter.

There is no accelerator pump on a Model A carb so pumping pedal has no effect.

Last edited by Benson; 09-12-2016 at 08:57 AM.
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Old 09-11-2016, 01:17 PM   #11
Benson
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Default Re: Staarting model A

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Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg View Post
I'm wondering what hole? Did someone maybe drill a hole in the grooved plate so the advance can't be pulled all the way down?

All the way down is 40* advance, and the Model A only needs about 28* at full speed.

Maybe Tom ...

Years ago I saw instructions for installing a Winfield head that instructed owner to drill a hole and install a stop to limit the max advance to about 28 degrees when using the High compression head.
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Old 09-11-2016, 01:30 PM   #12
toms32
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Default Re: Staarting model A

Thanks very much guys
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Old 09-11-2016, 09:21 PM   #13
Big hammer
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Default Re: Staarting model A

If you get in a habit of shutting down procedures like the levers up! key off gas off it will help with your start up procedures! You may want to know what could happen if you try to start with the spark lever down ---------- a broken starter Bendix
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Old 09-12-2016, 06:11 AM   #14
Patrick L.
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If you get in a habit of shutting down procedures like the levers up! key off gas off it will help with your start up procedures! You may want to know what could happen if you try to start with the spark lever down ---------- a broken starter Bendix



Yep, agreed.
fuel off
spark up
key off
ammeter zero

little mental checklists/habits are a good thing, especially as I [ I won't say we ] get older.
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