I am always looking for period accessories to make the simple Model T engine more interesting, while educating the public on ingenious ways folks, back then, used just to help get the thing started.
I recently acquired (4) vintage NOS brass priming cups used for introducing a few drops of gasoline into each cylinder to help in starting the engine. While I may never use them to actually prime the engine, I am considering installing them on the head over each cylinder.
Question: Has anyone out there ever used them or seen where they had been used on an engine (Model T or other?)? What is the best place to install them? Is there a downside? The threads are 1/8-27 NPT. Thank you.
Jim Patrick
I'm not sure that it's possible to install them on a T, at least without some SERIOUS modification. You would have to drill and install them through the water jacket in the head.
Seems like a really easy place to lose compression, either through the threads or the mechanism not sealing perfectly. Also, I'd be loathe to drill holes in the head that weren't meant to be there originally. You're introducing a serious weak point to a critical area. Not to mention that it might be a bit disastrous if you started the car and one of those babies was open.
They do look really cool, but I might figure out some way to display them as conversation pieces other than installing them.
Jim,
I think the best place to use them is on my 1911 Hupmobile. Let me know if you decide you cannot use them as I certainly can.
Steve
Ford did make threaded holes in the head for primer cups for a short period in 1912 (early 1913 model year) according to the encyclopedia: http://www.mtfca.com/encyclo/E.htm#eng3
Here is one of them, pictures by Richard Gould:
Waukesha ricardo (and perhaps others) had holes for primer cups in their accessory heads for Fords (picture by Jay in northern California)
Of course he's got a variety of priming cups http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/118802/168579.html
There were different heads for the Ts that had them built in like the Waukasha. I have also seen them in other places in Ts that I have drug in from behind barns.
Jim
Putting one in the Model T cyl head wouldn't be practical. You will hit the water jacket.
Most times the spark plug mfg made ones with priming cups built in.
If you wanted one for display easy on the T, is to get the plug adapter stem made for the Wolf Whistle, and spin that in, place the spark plug, and put the priming cup in the boss for the whistle.
Or, just use a right angle brass adapter, drill and tap a hole in the upper 'Y' part of the intake manifold, and fit the priming cup there. You will find many Ford intake manifolds already drilled with hole for vacuum fittings or priming cups too.
I see what you mean, Dan, Cameron and Seth. Because of the water jacket, it would be impractical to install these on a T head without some sort of 1/8 to 1/4 reducing bushing to span the distance between the exterior and interior walls of the water jacket (if ones that long even exist). Something I would not be comfortable doing. Jim Patrick
How about the area they used in 1912? (see pictures above) Does the water jacket reach down there on later heads?
In the intake manifold.
Drill and tap the little bosses on the side of the manifold and use 1/8" npt, 90º, primers.
A little dab will do ya'.......
Pre T Fords used primer cups. Both our N and K have them. The only time I use them is to occasionally check for fire by opening one while the motor is running (with a pliers).
Steve,
Just noticed your post. I have four you can use. Give me a call.
Rob
This Primer Cup Was on my 1916 Model T Touring when I bought it.
Roger,
Our 13 T has a peacock on the intake manifold. There have been threads that discussed these as a way to get more air.
Rob
You must have the most beautiful intake manifold in the whole club, Rob.
Thanks Dan. Above should say "petcock", not peacock (darn autocorrect).
Here is a set of Champion plugs with the primers. One thing about them is that the porcelains are not the same as on a regular Champion X plug, in that the center electrode(?) is extra long and with no porcelain surrounding it.