The Ford Barn

kursed30 · 06-01-2021, 08:36 AM

Well another weekend in the books with the A. It has now been a month or so since I started trying to get this old dog on the road. Since that time I have cleaned the tank, new fuel valve with filter, installed new fuel float, new fuel sediment bowl, cleaned the carb up, new switch on the starter, fixed exhaust leak, installed new header gaskets and replaced an innertube. After all this, she made her maiden voyage (for me anyway) around the block a few times. I was hoping that would be it...nope. lol

Every time I run it for more then 5 minutes I get a loud back fire when turning it off, I noticed some smoke coming from just above the carb (couldn't find exact spot) appeared to be maybe some light smoke around the water pump and lower engine area and the outside of the radiator gets really hot. I did notice a little bit of gas coming from the back of the carb as well.

JKY · 06-01-2021, 09:03 AM

Shut down the fuel before you turn it off and let it idle until the fuel in the line is gone. Once you hear it start to slow down, shut off the key. Try that to see if it helps.

Also, have you timed it?

kursed30 · 06-01-2021, 09:12 AM

I have not timed it but I have had a few of the car club guys stop by while it was running and they never mentioned it so I figured it was fine.

old31 · 06-01-2021, 11:41 AM

First, I would time the car.

Second, I would check for leaks around the intake and carb. You can use wd40 but I prefer to use propane(unlit). If the rpms increase you have a leak.

Third, I would check the float level. You should have 5/8" of an inch and this is done with this tool.

Fourth, where do you have your gav set? Close it, then open it 1 turn, and start from there.

https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/P...earchByKeyword

Don't bend the float tabs to get your 5/8", use float shim kits.

nkaminar · 06-01-2021, 12:17 PM

I assume you have the Zenith carburetor. There is a good site for this carburetor at http://model-a.org/default.html. It has some problem solving advice and some instructions for normal procedures. The site has detailed instructions on how to set your timing. Make sure the points are adjusted correctly first, which you probably have already done.

burner31 · 06-01-2021, 12:43 PM

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Were are you running the spark lever during these around the block trips, and pull your spark lever up some when shutting it down.
A timing and points check would be good as advised
Might want to clean your plugs up too, seaform or MMO in the fuel tank can help with any sticky The more you run it the better it will get

06-01-2021, 08:36 AM	#1
kursed30 Member Join Date: May 2021 Location: Omaha, Ne. Posts: 46	Another weekend and more head scratchers Well another weekend in the books with the A. It has now been a month or so since I started trying to get this old dog on the road. Since that time I have cleaned the tank, new fuel valve with filter, installed new fuel float, new fuel sediment bowl, cleaned the carb up, new switch on the starter, fixed exhaust leak, installed new header gaskets and replaced an innertube. After all this, she made her maiden voyage (for me anyway) around the block a few times. I was hoping that would be it...nope. lol Every time I run it for more then 5 minutes I get a loud back fire when turning it off, I noticed some smoke coming from just above the carb (couldn't find exact spot) appeared to be maybe some light smoke around the water pump and lower engine area and the outside of the radiator gets really hot. I did notice a little bit of gas coming from the back of the carb as well.

06-01-2021, 09:03 AM	#2
JKY Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2020 Posts: 150	Re: Another weekend and more head scratchers Shut down the fuel before you turn it off and let it idle until the fuel in the line is gone. Once you hear it start to slow down, shut off the key. Try that to see if it helps. Also, have you timed it?

06-01-2021, 09:12 AM	#3
kursed30 Member Join Date: May 2021 Location: Omaha, Ne. Posts: 46	Re: Another weekend and more head scratchers I have not timed it but I have had a few of the car club guys stop by while it was running and they never mentioned it so I figured it was fine.

06-01-2021, 11:41 AM	#4
old31 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 2,098	Re: Another weekend and more head scratchers First, I would time the car. Second, I would check for leaks around the intake and carb. You can use wd40 but I prefer to use propane(unlit). If the rpms increase you have a leak. Third, I would check the float level. You should have 5/8" of an inch and this is done with this tool. Fourth, where do you have your gav set? Close it, then open it 1 turn, and start from there. https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/P...earchByKeyword Don't bend the float tabs to get your 5/8", use float shim kits. Last edited by old31; 06-01-2021 at 12:01 PM.

06-01-2021, 12:17 PM	#5
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,897	Re: Another weekend and more head scratchers I assume you have the Zenith carburetor. There is a good site for this carburetor at http://model-a.org/default.html. It has some problem solving advice and some instructions for normal procedures. The site has detailed instructions on how to set your timing. Make sure the points are adjusted correctly first, which you probably have already done. __________________ 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.

06-01-2021, 12:43 PM	#6
burner31 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Shawnee, Ok Posts: 3,471	Re: Another weekend and more head scratchers Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Were are you running the spark lever during these around the block trips, and pull your spark lever up some when shutting it down. A timing and points check would be good as advised Might want to clean your plugs up too, seaform or MMO in the fuel tank can help with any sticky The more you run it the better it will get __________________ Keith Shawnee OK '31 SW 160-B