The Ford Barn

Bob Bidonde · 06-08-2021, 10:34 AM

Vern, I know about the wire on the choke arm, but it is unsightly to leave it in place, plus it can damage the fins on the radiator. The GAV needs to be adjusted anyway, so I use a clamp to prime the engine.

Osage Orange · 06-09-2021, 11:27 AM

I always used a clothes pin to hold open the choke, and a wire to push it closed after the first yank on the crank. Always started right up. I seldom used the starter as I enjoyed the ceremony of manually starting my '29 standard coupe.

Ivan in southeast va. · 06-09-2021, 03:30 PM

When I cranked mine, I set the handle at the 9 o'clock position and lifted up with my thumb out of the way.

KGBnut · 06-13-2021, 06:33 AM

It is not wholly uncommon to set the timing with the lever a click or two down. I have not found it to be necessary.

I hand crank fairly frequently, mostly for show. I also teach other Model A drivers how to to do it, mostly newcomers. However, I will never hand crank an engine unless I personally set the timing. Just not going to take that chance.

Oh, and I have a choke wire coming out the front. Mine is a length of brazing rod, so it is a bit more rigid. Mine does not come through the radiator, but rather through a gap in the radiator shell so it won't wear a whole in a tube.

Ken

06-08-2021, 10:34 AM	#21
Bob Bidonde Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 3,463	Re: Starting the Model A with a crank Vern, I know about the wire on the choke arm, but it is unsightly to leave it in place, plus it can damage the fins on the radiator. The GAV needs to be adjusted anyway, so I use a clamp to prime the engine. __________________ Bob Bidonde

06-09-2021, 11:27 AM	#22
Osage Orange Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Powell Siding (near Cleveland), MO Posts: 82	Re: Starting the Model A with a crank I always used a clothes pin to hold open the choke, and a wire to push it closed after the first yank on the crank. Always started right up. I seldom used the starter as I enjoyed the ceremony of manually starting my '29 standard coupe.

06-09-2021, 03:30 PM	#23
Ivan in southeast va. Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Portsmouth, Virginia Posts: 303	Re: Starting the Model A with a crank When I cranked mine, I set the handle at the 9 o'clock position and lifted up with my thumb out of the way.

06-13-2021, 06:33 AM	#24
KGBnut Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Southwestern Connecticut Posts: 931	Re: Starting the Model A with a crank It is not wholly uncommon to set the timing with the lever a click or two down. I have not found it to be necessary. I hand crank fairly frequently, mostly for show. I also teach other Model A drivers how to to do it, mostly newcomers. However, I will never hand crank an engine unless I personally set the timing. Just not going to take that chance. Oh, and I have a choke wire coming out the front. Mine is a length of brazing rod, so it is a bit more rigid. Mine does not come through the radiator, but rather through a gap in the radiator shell so it won't wear a whole in a tube. Ken __________________ Style beats speed any day, and with a lot fewer tickets.