I just brought the '17 home and have a lot of questions.
First it is set up to start with a starter & battery. Supposedly the engine is "too tight" to be started by the starter, but can be push started. Does this make sense?
The seat springs that were in it (2ea) are 38"x 17" and 36" X 18.5 ", I don't think either of these were the correct size. What size should they be?
Thanks,
cj
Collin, is this a fresh rebuild?
Call Snyder's and ask for dimensions of correct seat springs. They can help.
That makes plenty of sense, Collin, if the engine is a fresh rebuild. Babbitt bearings are often set up with a light drag and can be tight until a little more clearance wears in.
How does the crank turn by hand? If it turns pretty easy the starter should be able to turn it. Did you check the oil? Fresh oil? Any oil? Is your starter working at full capacity? Might be an insufficient ground. A whole lot of factors to consider. Good luck. Jim Patrick
Yup, fresh rebuild, just brought it from dads house. Oil in the engine..can turn by crank, but seems to have a point that it sticks. I am thinking maybe remove the plugs & cranking a bit to try to loosen it up a bit.
Pics will be soon.
Thanks, I feel better that dad maybe didn't forget something.
cj
Collin that probably wont work as it takes miles to loosen a new engine. You will nodoubt have to jump the starter with a 12 volt battery to get it started the firs time. I had to on my new engine. Once it goes thru a couple warmup cycles it will be much better.
CJ,
Nice looking touring. You listed WA for address. There are lots of T folks in Washington. I would suggest finding someone who is familiar with driving Ts and towing the car to start it. You shouldn't have to tow it far and it will be a lot easier on the starter -- it can take 12 volts -- but there are some debates on if the is really bad for them, ok for them, etc. You can also play the middle by getting an 8 volt battery. Also -- be sure to check all the connections and that the car has the larger 6 volt battery cables and that they were not replaced with the smaller 12 volt cables that do not work well for 6 volt systems.
Respectfully submitted,
Hap l9l5 cut off
Sometimes I wish I were in WA...
I have corrected my address, I live in UT. I know 1 other T guy, and he lives a ways away. (and yes, I met him here)
I thought about a 12 volt, but was concerned it may overload the wiring. I think you may have hit on something with the size of the cable, looks like standard 12 volt to me. I will check it out.
Thanks all,
cj
If you have 12 volt battery type cables while using a 6 volt battery, the voltage drop will make cranking sluggish Collin. Maybe this is why you're having trouble cranking it over. There is also a specific method in loosening up a fresh engine and you'll probably hear a few different versions from people. Just break it in easy whatever you do. I'll let someone else chime in regarding that.
Your biggest problem will be finding a parking spot for the next Model T you buy ... you DO know they multiply, don't you??
Regards,
Garnet
Right now it shares the garage with a 1920 Oakland sedan and parts for a '17 and '22 Oakland. In the rafters are the beginnings of a '15 T roadster - to keep me busy for retirement someday.
Wife is beginning to think the garage is getting too small for her car... again she made me promise, "no more old cars"
Collin, here's another thing you can do to get it started if you have a helper:
Have one person turn the crank while another operates the starter at the same time.
Take short runs around the block or so and allow the engine to reach full operating temperature, then drive back and let it cool off. Repeat this several times, each time putting a little more load on the engine and at varying speeds; being careful to watch for any overheating during the process. The engine should loosen up as clearance wears in.
Personally, I like tight babbitt engines on a fresh rebuild. You have maximum babbitt to wear as compared to one set up a little loose.