First Drive In 2023

[RalphG]

It warmed up enough yesterday that I was inspired to fire up the old Merc for a short drive. It had not run since I parked it in early November so the old flathead was none too eager to fire up. I finally had to put 12 volts direct to the solenoid to get enough cranking speed. Think the old six volt battery is feeling it's age. Anyway, got a bit of video of the startup. Driving video to follow soon.
https://youtu.be/YC_daLVs274

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by RalphG

It warmed up enough yesterday that I was inspired to fire up the old Merc for a short drive. It had not run since I parked it in early November so the old flathead was none too eager to fire up. I finally had to put 12 volts direct to the solenoid to get enough cranking speed. Think the old six volt battery is feeling it's age. Anyway, got a bit of video of the startup. Driving video to follow soon.
https://youtu.be/YC_daLVs274

[40ford]

Here is a good tool I use to wake up those old Fords!
BOTTLE.jpg

[Bored&Stroked]

Great! Glad you got the ole' girl out for a spin!

[RalphG]

Originally Posted by 40ford

Here is a good tool I use to wake up those old Fords!
Attachment 509185

That would have a little less spillage than the method I use. Those teapot carbs are awkward to pour gas down past the float chamber. I know there are better ways but this one has been working for me.

[rjlester]

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The old merc sounds really good!

I have been able to start my 54 Meteor (still 6 volt) in down to -18C. It took some practice, and it turns super slow but it will start without priming the carb. I step on the gas 3 or 4 times, and then pump the gas while turning it over. If it starts to fire, I hold the throttle at about 1/4 to half and it fires right up. Smooths out on it's own in 10 seconds or less.

[RalphG]

Originally Posted by rjlester

The old merc sounds really good!

I have been able to start my 54 Meteor (still 6 volt) in down to -18C. It took some practice, and it turns super slow but it will start without priming the carb. I step on the gas 3 or 4 times, and then pump the gas while turning it over. If it starts to fire, I hold the throttle at about 1/4 to half and it fires right up. Smooths out on it's own in 10 seconds or less.

Seems that all carburetors have their own personality and preferred method of starting procedure. I know this one likes a lot of gas. Even on a hot start it seems to need one shot on the gas pedal to fire up quick. I think it would have started easier this time if it had not been parked since early November.

[19Fordy]

When I had my 40 in WI, I found spraying starting in the carb fluid really helps, especially with 6V.

[cjshaker]

You guys up north must not use salt in your area? My cars are parked after the first salt hits the road. Then you have to wait until good rains come in the Spring to wash the crap off. No way my tires will touch that stuff! Makes for a long Winter.

[RalphG]

Originally Posted by cjshaker

You guys up north must not use salt in your area? My cars are parked after the first salt hits the road. Then you have to wait until good rains come in the Spring to wash the crap off. No way my tires will touch that stuff! Makes for a long Winter.

Quite the contrary. Any piece of pavement here will be well saturated in salt at the slightest indication of snow, frost or ice because nobody can slow down for conditions anymore. I'm lucky I have miles of gravel roads that never see salt if I want to take the Merc out in winter. Trust me, it will never see road salt. It has not even been washed or rained on since 2014. Indoor storage.

[rjlester]

Yes I also have salt here in Alberta. But like Ralph, I just drive where they don't pour salt, or I wait until it's been warm a few days and the pavement is dry. I do not winter drive it, just drive around the block every month or so throughout the winter.

[Mart]

Thanks Ralph. I enjoyed the video. While pumping the pedal might help others, with your non-op accelerator pump it probably would not do anything.

[corvette8n]

Ralph thanks for the ride, I liked it when you sped up the video, it felt like you were doing 90mph.

[RalphG]

Originally Posted by Mart

Thanks Ralph. I enjoyed the video. While pumping the pedal might help others, with your non-op accelerator pump it probably would not do anything.

Yes, it makes a big difference Mart. The accelerator pump does give a shot of gas every time but it does not seem to give enough. You'll notice in the video where I was making the uphill turn in deeper snow that was when the engine stalled. I must have stepped on it and forgot to give the extra couple of pumps on the pedal. Maybe its not the accelerator pump that is the problem but its guaranteed to lean out and stall if I don't pump the pedal every time I want to speed up.

[RalphG]

Originally Posted by corvette8n

Ralph thanks for the ride, I liked it when you sped up the video, it felt like you were doing 90mph.

Even 40 seems fast on that narrow driveway.

[Bulligen]

Always fun to view your videos. I do like your Merc!