The Ford Barn

RobertB · 03-08-2014, 03:35 PM

After installing the new bendix and replacing the starter, I am having a problem getting the A started.

I think I'm following the right procedure:

Emergency brake on
Transmission in neutral
Fuel lever under hood pointing out to engine (31 Slant Windshield)
Key turned on...pops out
GAV turned 1/4 turn
Throttle and advance set at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock
Pull choke while pushing starter with foot

I had decided the problem was that I was out of fuel. When the car came off the delivery trailer, I started it with no problem and drove it into the garage. Twice I started it and backed it out and drove it around the block.

The last time I did this I parked in the driveway and ended up having to push it into the garage. Then the bendix spring broke while trying to start it. Fuel gauge does not work, so I put a stick in the tank and touched no fuel.

I assume the problem was that I had simply run out of fuel (yes I know about ass/u/me). So I just put 3-4 gallons of fresh fuel in the tank.

On the third or fourth try, it started and ran about 10 seconds. A few more tries and it ran for a bit again...I hit the gas peddle and revved it up, and then it died. No joy since then.

Advice, suggestions, sympathy?

redmodelt · 03-08-2014, 03:59 PM

Try opening the GVA a full turn. 1/4 is about where it would be fully warmed up. Check your fuel flow, a dribble or trickle out the line at the carb, something is blocked. If the flow is good at the supply line reconnect it and take the plug out of the bottom of the carb (not the bolt that holds it together), if no fuel is coming out, something is blocked in the carb. Of course have a pan under to catch the gas and let it run for a bit to see that the flow is steady.

Bob C · 03-08-2014, 04:15 PM

The advance should be fully retarded.

Bob

Gary WA · 03-08-2014, 04:17 PM

Unless you have a High Comp Head your Spark Lever should be all way up. Go to www.modelabasics.com for some good start up procedures/photos.

Ray64 · 03-08-2014, 04:22 PM

I think when you ran the tank low it picked up trash and plugged the line. A small amount of air back up the line from the carb to the tank might get you started

RobertB · 03-08-2014, 05:45 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Success!!! Turns out the gas valve on the firewall is off when pointed to the front.

I turned to to what I thought was OFF and pulled the fuel line from the carb and got a gush of fuel!

Dooh!

Started right up...went around the block.

Now I have more questions but I'll start a new thread....Thanks everyone for your help!

nhusa · 03-08-2014, 09:36 PM

We all have senior moments - we'll most of us do.

I once purchased a monitor for my computer and could not make it work so I returned it and got another. As I was setting up the new one I put my fingers under the front edge and found a switch that turned it on.

One would think they would show the location of the on-off switch on the simplified quick install instructions

I drew a fuel shutoff valve diagram for my Model T on the garage wall so I would not forget the correct on position. All I need to do is figure out how to put the wall in my pocket so I can refer to it when I am on the road

03-08-2014, 03:35 PM	#1
RobertB Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Santa Teresa, NM Posts: 133	Won't Start! After installing the new bendix and replacing the starter, I am having a problem getting the A started. I think I'm following the right procedure: Emergency brake on Transmission in neutral Fuel lever under hood pointing out to engine (31 Slant Windshield) Key turned on...pops out GAV turned 1/4 turn Throttle and advance set at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock Pull choke while pushing starter with foot I had decided the problem was that I was out of fuel. When the car came off the delivery trailer, I started it with no problem and drove it into the garage. Twice I started it and backed it out and drove it around the block. The last time I did this I parked in the driveway and ended up having to push it into the garage. Then the bendix spring broke while trying to start it. Fuel gauge does not work, so I put a stick in the tank and touched no fuel. I assume the problem was that I had simply run out of fuel (yes I know about ass/u/me). So I just put 3-4 gallons of fresh fuel in the tank. On the third or fourth try, it started and ran about 10 seconds. A few more tries and it ran for a bit again...I hit the gas peddle and revved it up, and then it died. No joy since then. Advice, suggestions, sympathy? __________________ RobertB Santa Teresa, NM

03-08-2014, 03:59 PM	#2
redmodelt Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland OR Posts: 6,340	Re: Won't Start! Try opening the GVA a full turn. 1/4 is about where it would be fully warmed up. Check your fuel flow, a dribble or trickle out the line at the carb, something is blocked. If the flow is good at the supply line reconnect it and take the plug out of the bottom of the carb (not the bolt that holds it together), if no fuel is coming out, something is blocked in the carb. Of course have a pan under to catch the gas and let it run for a bit to see that the flow is steady.

03-08-2014, 04:15 PM	#3
Bob C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: So Cal Posts: 8,749	Re: Won't Start! The advance should be fully retarded. Bob

03-08-2014, 04:17 PM	#4
Gary WA Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Clinton,WA/Whidbey Island Posts: 4,104	Re: Won't Start! Unless you have a High Comp Head your Spark Lever should be all way up. Go to www.modelabasics.com for some good start up procedures/photos. __________________ www.whidbeymodelaclub.com

03-08-2014, 04:22 PM	#5
Ray64 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Grafton,OHIO Posts: 727	Re: Won't Start! I think when you ran the tank low it picked up trash and plugged the line. A small amount of air back up the line from the carb to the tank might get you started

03-08-2014, 05:45 PM	#6
RobertB Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Santa Teresa, NM Posts: 133	Re: Won't Start! Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Success!!! Turns out the gas valve on the firewall is off when pointed to the front. I turned to to what I thought was OFF and pulled the fuel line from the carb and got a gush of fuel! Dooh! Started right up...went around the block. Now I have more questions but I'll start a new thread....Thanks everyone for your help! __________________ RobertB Santa Teresa, NM

03-08-2014, 09:36 PM	#7
nhusa Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 549	Re: Won't Start! We all have senior moments - we'll most of us do. I once purchased a monitor for my computer and could not make it work so I returned it and got another. As I was setting up the new one I put my fingers under the front edge and found a switch that turned it on. One would think they would show the location of the on-off switch on the simplified quick install instructions I drew a fuel shutoff valve diagram for my Model T on the garage wall so I would not forget the correct on position. All I need to do is figure out how to put the wall in my pocket so I can refer to it when I am on the road