The Ford Barn

TMarsh · 02-08-2023, 06:35 PM

1930 coupe .80 over bore, tillison carburetor, stock head, 160 thermostat, no air filter. Car runs great after short warm up. When I put coupe up, I run it out of gas with shutoff valve. Next time I start it, after about 30 seconds of fuel valve opening, the car seems to have a dead miss for about two minutes then it runs great. At start, GAV one full turn, throttle couple of notches down, advance 9-10 a clock after start. Any ideas, are just do not fool with it.

WHN · 02-08-2023, 07:46 PM

Do you use Marvel Mystery Oil in your gas?

I would add some, and as the doctor would say, “call me if you don’t feel better”.

Enjoy.

GPierce · 02-08-2023, 08:06 PM

Morning sickness caused by a sticking valve. Marvel Mystery oil usaualy frees them up.

Synchro909 · 02-08-2023, 08:07 PM

How many miles on the engine? Maybe a sticky valve?

mike barone · 02-08-2023, 09:22 PM

A little off topic, but an old timer told me a Model A will get you home on one cylinder...

He said if you disconnect the others, a well-tuned one will run on cylinder 1.

Not sure of the significance of cylinder 1. But I will sure try it when/if I get mine running...

Mike
Houston, TX

Big hammer · 02-08-2023, 09:57 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

4 oz MMO to 10 gallons gas, try not running it out of gas when you park it, try running it for just a few moments. I turn my L31 gas valve that’s on the firewall off and walk around and then turn off the ignition switch

Gary WA · 02-08-2023, 09:58 PM

(76) 1929 Model A Ford timing check - YouTube

TMarsh · 02-08-2023, 10:21 PM

Have about 4000 miles on engine, just started using mmo about two tanks ago. I will try not to run it out of gas on shutdown. Thought it might be a valve, but has not always done that.

daveymc29 · 02-09-2023, 12:31 AM

Like the guy said when his hose died, "First time he's ever done THAT"

the "Ace" mechanic

nkaminar · 02-09-2023, 07:07 AM

Locate the one cylinder that is apparently missing by shorting out spark plugs one at a time. Take a compression check when cold. Best to use a compression gauge but a low tech method is to hand crank slowly to see if there is any cylinder offering less resistance.

jack backer · 02-09-2023, 07:25 AM

Old shop saying “if you think it’s fuel issue it’s most likely ignition, if you think it’s ignition it’s most likely fuel”

I love the “get you home on one cylinder” stories, .. folks beat the hell out of the car when you could buy one for 5 bucks all kinds of tales arose from that time, most occurred a day before the car was thrown away for another one

TMarsh · 02-13-2023, 03:56 PM

Thought I should get back to you all. Developed dead miss. Compression 53-60 lbs. Turns out it was a bad autolite plug with just over 4000 miles.
Side note: Spark plugs were very hard to remove, not sure what I put on them when installed but I thought it was anti-seeze. Sure this time.
Running like a champ again.

Chuck Sea/Tac · 02-13-2023, 07:17 PM

Thanks for the feedback

TMarsh · 02-20-2023, 06:28 PM

One more update. Changed Autolite plugs to Champion W16Y. Turns out pulling plugs and reinstalling them seemed to eliminate ploblem for awhile. Problem came back. Did some Google research and found that the W16Y plugs have the same properties inside the block, but the insulator above the head is longer on the Champion. My limited research lead me to believe these plugs are hotter. Running good again, will keep yall updated to changes if anything.

eagle · 02-20-2023, 06:34 PM

As others have stated, definitely a good idea to run some Marvel Mystery oil in it. You can get it just about any auto parts store, Wallmart etc etc. It WORKS. ATF works too.

Gene F · 02-20-2023, 06:36 PM

Now you are onto something. Since you changed the plugs, let the Marvel Mystery Oil do some work. I bet things clear up. Don't over think it. I have over thunk it many times.

40 Deluxe · 02-20-2023, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big hammer

4 oz MMO to 10 gallons gas, try not running it out of gas when you park it, try running it for just a few moments. I turn my L31 gas valve that’s on the firewall off and walk around and then turn off the ignition switch

What's wrong with letting it run out of gas?

02-08-2023, 06:35 PM	#1
TMarsh Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Posts: 131	Seems to run on 3 cylinders 1930 coupe .80 over bore, tillison carburetor, stock head, 160 thermostat, no air filter. Car runs great after short warm up. When I put coupe up, I run it out of gas with shutoff valve. Next time I start it, after about 30 seconds of fuel valve opening, the car seems to have a dead miss for about two minutes then it runs great. At start, GAV one full turn, throttle couple of notches down, advance 9-10 a clock after start. Any ideas, are just do not fool with it.

02-08-2023, 07:46 PM	#2
WHN Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Connecticut Shoreline Posts: 1,824	Re: Seems to run on 3 cylinders Do you use Marvel Mystery Oil in your gas? I would add some, and as the doctor would say, “call me if you don’t feel better”. Enjoy.

02-08-2023, 08:06 PM	#3
GPierce Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Germantown,TN Posts: 516	Re: Seems to run on 3 cylinders Morning sickness caused by a sticking valve. Marvel Mystery oil usaualy frees them up.

02-08-2023, 08:07 PM	#4
Synchro909 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 7,496	Re: Seems to run on 3 cylinders How many miles on the engine? Maybe a sticky valve? __________________ I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood.

02-08-2023, 09:22 PM	#5
mike barone Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 11	Re: Seems to run on 3 cylinders A little off topic, but an old timer told me a Model A will get you home on one cylinder... He said if you disconnect the others, a well-tuned one will run on cylinder 1. Not sure of the significance of cylinder 1. But I will sure try it when/if I get mine running... Mike Houston, TX

02-08-2023, 09:57 PM	#6
Big hammer Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Land of Lincoln Posts: 3,131	Re: Seems to run on 3 cylinders Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) 4 oz MMO to 10 gallons gas, try not running it out of gas when you park it, try running it for just a few moments. I turn my L31 gas valve that’s on the firewall off and walk around and then turn off the ignition switch __________________ Don't force it with a little hammer tap, tap, tap get a bigger hammer tap done

02-08-2023, 09:58 PM	#7
Gary WA Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Clinton,WA/Whidbey Island Posts: 4,105	Re: Seems to run on 3 cylinders (76) 1929 Model A Ford timing check - YouTube __________________ www.whidbeymodelaclub.com

02-08-2023, 10:21 PM	#8
TMarsh Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Posts: 131	Re: Seems to run on 3 cylinders Have about 4000 miles on engine, just started using mmo about two tanks ago. I will try not to run it out of gas on shutdown. Thought it might be a valve, but has not always done that.

02-09-2023, 12:31 AM	#9
daveymc29 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Danville, CA Posts: 1,554	Re: Seems to run on 3 cylinders Like the guy said when his hose died, "First time he's ever done THAT" the "Ace" mechanic

02-09-2023, 07:07 AM	#10
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,897	Re: Seems to run on 3 cylinders Locate the one cylinder that is apparently missing by shorting out spark plugs one at a time. Take a compression check when cold. Best to use a compression gauge but a low tech method is to hand crank slowly to see if there is any cylinder offering less resistance. __________________ 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.

02-09-2023, 07:25 AM	#11
jack backer BANNED Join Date: Mar 2022 Location: Chenango Bridge NY Posts: 433	Re: Seems to run on 3 cylinders Old shop saying “if you think it’s fuel issue it’s most likely ignition, if you think it’s ignition it’s most likely fuel” I love the “get you home on one cylinder” stories, .. folks beat the hell out of the car when you could buy one for 5 bucks all kinds of tales arose from that time, most occurred a day before the car was thrown away for another one

02-13-2023, 03:56 PM	#12
TMarsh Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Posts: 131	Re: Seems to run on 3 cylinders Thought I should get back to you all. Developed dead miss. Compression 53-60 lbs. Turns out it was a bad autolite plug with just over 4000 miles. Side note: Spark plugs were very hard to remove, not sure what I put on them when installed but I thought it was anti-seeze. Sure this time. Running like a champ again.

02-13-2023, 07:17 PM	#13
Chuck Sea/Tac Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Between Seattle & Tacoma Posts: 2,354	Re: Seems to run on 3 cylinders Thanks for the feedback

02-20-2023, 06:28 PM	#14
TMarsh Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Posts: 131	Re: Seems to run on 3 cylinders One more update. Changed Autolite plugs to Champion W16Y. Turns out pulling plugs and reinstalling them seemed to eliminate ploblem for awhile. Problem came back. Did some Google research and found that the W16Y plugs have the same properties inside the block, but the insulator above the head is longer on the Champion. My limited research lead me to believe these plugs are hotter. Running good again, will keep yall updated to changes if anything.

02-20-2023, 06:34 PM	#15
eagle Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Eagle Bend, MN Posts: 2,025	Re: Seems to run on 3 cylinders As others have stated, definitely a good idea to run some Marvel Mystery oil in it. You can get it just about any auto parts store, Wallmart etc etc. It WORKS. ATF works too. __________________ "There are some that can destroy an anvil with a teaspoon and shouldn't be allowed to touch anything resembling a tool."

02-20-2023, 06:36 PM	#16
Gene F Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,973	Re: Seems to run on 3 cylinders Now you are onto something. Since you changed the plugs, let the Marvel Mystery Oil do some work. I bet things clear up. Don't over think it. I have over thunk it many times.