Ok, I just have to share this...I have a grin on my face that just won't stop.
I have had the '17 home since May, and still haven't been able to get it started...wife thinks it should be running by now, I must be nuts!! No, I am having fun!!!
I found a T book on google books, and I am tinkering away the stress from the workday!! Rebuilt the carb (yes it needed it, missing gaskets), put a new fuel line in (just didn't feel good with the old one) took the brakes apart (I still don't trust the springs, they just look wrong - too loose) adjusted the clutch (now the rpm is higher when it doesn't start) now I suspect the clutch lever screw needs to be adjusted because the rpm is lower when the brake lever is pulled back...I will just have to save that one!! Don't tell the wife, and most importantly - don't spoil my fun by telling me why it won't start
As long as I get it started before the snow flies when it needs to be out of the garage and into storage, I think I can keep this going for a while.
Thanks for the hints, and the chance to share the fun!!
Collin, you didn't say what T book you have. If it's not the Ford manual, that should be on your shopping list along with the MTFCA books. Lots of good help.
Speaking of tinkering, I just installed an Anderson Timer and have 2 problems:
#1 The engine runs very nicely except for a very slight lope, almost like it's trying to hit a lick from having a wicked cam. Since said cam does not exist, I'm thinking that my timer cover is not properly centered on the cam shaft. Is this correct?
#2 The spark advance lever wants to retard itself as I drive. If I don't hold the lever down it will oogie itself back up out of proper advance. Is that due to the suspected off-centeredness? I have the bolt and arm that holds the timer plenty snug.
Collin,
The Jelf book shelf is absolutely necessary before you start working on your T. There are two very important reasons for this: 1) Unless your wife is totally blond, she will eventually get wise to your excuses. The manuals will give you enough technical jargon to keep your excuses fresh. 2)The Jelf book shelf will actually give you the wisdom you need to get your 17 running!
Remember we are all in this together and if your wife ever figures out your procrastination... we are all doomed! Wives communicate with each other ... some how! (not for males to ever know)! - John
Seth
If the lope is a miss, then perhaps, or the timing could be off, or one coil not up to par.
For the wiggly spark rod, most likely the quadrant under the wheel is bent down and lets the lever slack and slip or the return springs on the spark rod under the steering column are worn. Easy fix is to bend the quadrant up so that the lever is more taunt or maybe the lever rod has worn flats where it crosses the quadrant.
Steve: ah, now I have a suggestion for a Christmas present for me
I have 2 hard bound origional Dykes manuals; I know what I have seen them sell for, but to me they are invaluable.
I bought the MTFCA carb book from Langs. it helped a lot on adjusting the carb.
The google book is "The Ford Model T Car" 1917 from Page. Downloaded for free - a good price.
I guess what I like most is that the T is so straight forward.
Perhaps in more ways than one T's are indeed a journey, not a destination. I just never considered that the journey might be going on if you don't even leave the garage.
Errrr...ummm....if you don't get it started before the snow flies, it'll just have to remain where it is, no?
Steve: you are correct, it is in the journey and not the destination. Right now I am enjoying the journey IN the garage.
Michael: my thought also. 3 car garage = 2 old cars inside + 1 wife car inside (almost makes her happy) And my beat up pick-up outside, works for me.