Position of the spark lever question

[30modelA]

Originally Posted by ora masters

me too and i have ben driveing them for 70 years

thats the way i do it too, mine doesnt have alot of power in retarded form so i just run full advanced, runs like a sewing machine there

[Billy 1931 Model A]

My Model A will run one day, next day won't start. I understand that each car's GAV and spark advance lever position will be a bit different. Trying to start with full retard (up position) - no ignition. Fuel delivery and spark at plugs are fine: my ammeter trembles when she cranks. Questions: am I trying to start with TOO much retard? And when cranking, do you add choke at 1st crank or a couple turns later? After 3 minutes of trying, I can smell she's flooded. How much throttle do you open to start?

[Patrick L.]

Originally Posted by Billy 1931 Model A

My Model A will run one day, next day won't start. I understand that each car's GAV and spark advance lever position will be a bit different. Trying to start with full retard (up position) - no ignition. Fuel delivery and spark at plugs are fine: my ammeter trembles when she cranks. Questions: am I trying to start with TOO much retard? And when cranking, do you add choke at 1st crank or a couple turns later? After 3 minutes of trying, I can smell she's flooded. How much throttle do you open to start?

You might want to check/set the base timing. It should be at TDC [ or pretty close].

Then when starting the spark lever is up [ TDC ].

Throttle lever down a few notches

Start cranking the engine

As the engine starts to turn over pull out the choke knob for a second or two [ a couple spins of the engine] and push it back in. It should start. Don't wait for the engine to start before pushing it in.

Once the engine starts pull the spark lever down 2/3 to 3/4 and drive it away.