Go Back   The Ford Barn > General Discussion > Model A (1928-31)

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 07-18-2022, 06:41 PM   #1
1928ModelA
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2022
Location: Santa Clarita, CA
Posts: 27
Default Hi, New Member Here!

Hi, I am a new member to your forum. Just picked up a 1928 Model A. I had a 1930 Model A about 25 years ago.

Having a few issues with it. Does not run good. Idles rough and has no power in 3rd gear. I have emptied the tank and sediment bowl. both were clear and the screens had zero gunk on them.

I re-timed it but still seems to run poorly. I picked up some new points and condenser and plan on trying them out.

Not sure if anyone is in my area of Santa Clarita, CA, that might have some tips.

Last edited by 1928ModelA; 07-18-2022 at 07:20 PM.
1928ModelA is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-18-2022, 07:18 PM   #2
Synchro909
Senior Member
 
Synchro909's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 7,472
Default Re: Hi, New Member Here!

I have no idea about where you are but I'm sure someone here will be able to help. IMO, a local club would be the first thing I'd seek.
That said, I suggest you check the compression readings on all 4 cylinders. If one is down, no amount of fiddling with fuel or ignition systems will help. Your symptoms seem to fit having a sick cylinder.
__________________
I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood.
Synchro909 is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Old 07-18-2022, 07:21 PM   #3
1928ModelA
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2022
Location: Santa Clarita, CA
Posts: 27
Default Re: Hi, New Member Here!

Good idea i will try and run a compression test if I have an adapter that will work with the model A head spark plug threads.
1928ModelA is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-18-2022, 07:26 PM   #4
nkaminar
Senior Member
 
nkaminar's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Western North Carolina
Posts: 3,820
Default Re: Hi, New Member Here!

Also check for vacuum leaks.

Welcome to the Barn, by the way.
__________________
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.
nkaminar is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-18-2022, 07:27 PM   #5
1928ModelA
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2022
Location: Santa Clarita, CA
Posts: 27
Default Re: Hi, New Member Here!

Another good idea. Thank you.
1928ModelA is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-18-2022, 07:43 PM   #6
Lenny Bruce
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2022
Posts: 283
Default Re: Hi, New Member Here!

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Hi friend! I had a heck of a time getting my A to idle and run decent. After I got the timing straightened out I had some more experienced help who found that my carburetor was causing loads of my trouble. The float and a few other issues in the upper part of the carb were the culprit. Also my manifold was warped and needed to be resurfaced. Was sucking all kinds of air! Lastly my car is very fussy when it comes to the fuel mixture on the choke rod. It has to be just right or it will act up on me. Hope these few experience’s I had will help you as well.
Lenny Bruce is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-18-2022, 08:15 PM   #7
Synchro909
Senior Member
 
Synchro909's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 7,472
Default Re: Hi, New Member Here!

You'll get 'er runnin like a champ!
__________________
I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood.
Synchro909 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-19-2022, 06:42 AM   #8
aermotor
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Greenville, SC
Posts: 1,099
Default Re: Hi, New Member Here!

Just curious, had it been setting for a long time before you got it?
aermotor is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-19-2022, 06:58 AM   #9
Chuck Dempsey
Senior Member
 
Chuck Dempsey's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Waynesville, NC
Posts: 778
Default Re: Hi, New Member Here!

Good Luck and welcome to the 'Barn!
Chuck Dempsey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-19-2022, 11:00 AM   #10
1928ModelA
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2022
Location: Santa Clarita, CA
Posts: 27
Default Re: Hi, New Member Here!

Yes it had been sitting for a while.
1928ModelA is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-19-2022, 11:43 AM   #11
aermotor
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Greenville, SC
Posts: 1,099
Default Re: Hi, New Member Here!

Try draining the carb bowl, catch the fuel in a container and look for water.
aermotor is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-19-2022, 11:51 AM   #12
1928ModelA
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2022
Location: Santa Clarita, CA
Posts: 27
Default Re: Hi, New Member Here!

I drained the carb/tank/sediment bowl. Did not help. Checked float level and float ball valve.
1928ModelA is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-19-2022, 12:20 PM   #13
McMimmcs
Senior Member
 
McMimmcs's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Fort Gratiot, Michigan
Posts: 2,296
Default Re: Hi, New Member Here!

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1928ModelA View Post
Hi, I am a new member to your forum. Just picked up a 1928 Model A. I had a 1930 Model A about 25 years ago.

Having a few issues with it. Does not run good. Idles rough and has no power in 3rd gear. I have emptied the tank and sediment bowl. both were clear and the screens had zero gunk on them.

I re-timed it but still seems to run poorly. I picked up some new points and condenser and plan on trying them out.

Not sure if anyone is in my area of Santa Clarita, CA, that might have some tips.
Welcome to the Barn! This place is a wealth of knowledge. A group of experts that welcome questions and love providing advice. Wayne .
McMimmcs is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-19-2022, 01:26 PM   #14
Big hammer
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Land of Lincoln
Posts: 3,114
Default Re: Hi, New Member Here!

4oz of MMO per 10 gal gas may help with sticky valves, swiping parts box cardboard in between the points may clean them without removing material, they need to be shiny. MMO is Marvel mystery oil available at most parts stores
__________________
Don't force it with a little hammer tap, tap, tap
get a bigger hammer tap done
Big hammer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-19-2022, 04:58 PM   #15
hudson32700
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: Roscoe, Illinois
Posts: 27
Default Re: Hi, New Member Here!

Welcome to the Ford Barn. Post some pictures of your car.
hudson32700 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-19-2022, 10:38 PM   #16
1928ModelA
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2022
Location: Santa Clarita, CA
Posts: 27
Default Re: Hi, New Member Here!

Ran a compression test.

1-51
2-55
3-43
4-51
1928ModelA is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2022, 12:49 PM   #17
ronn
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: NNNNNNNNJJJJJJJJJJ
Posts: 6,758
Default Re: Hi, New Member Here!

listen to big hammer on the mmo............
ronn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2022, 02:13 PM   #18
1928ModelA
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2022
Location: Santa Clarita, CA
Posts: 27
Default Re: Hi, New Member Here!

Just picked up some mmo. Gonna try it.
1928ModelA is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2022, 02:14 PM   #19
1928ModelA
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2022
Location: Santa Clarita, CA
Posts: 27
Default Re: Hi, New Member Here!

Quote:
Originally Posted by hudson32700 View Post
Welcome to the Ford Barn. Post some pictures of your car.
Will get some photos soon.
1928ModelA is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-22-2022, 11:09 PM   #20
1928ModelA
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2022
Location: Santa Clarita, CA
Posts: 27
Default Re: Hi, New Member Here!

I put a rebuilt carb on it didnt help. Switched from modern points plate to old style didnt help either. Can barely get it up to 30mph.
1928ModelA is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:57 AM.