Free Start

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2013: Free Start
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bob McDonald-Federal Way, Wa. on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 - 02:00 pm:

I went out this morning to take my Snow Bird out of the trailer (after 6 month of sitting)so I can add a Warford two Speed. Turned the gas and bat. on and turned it over a couple times to chock, then turned the key and it started.
Wonders will never cease.

Bob


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John Aldrich Orting Wa on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 - 04:08 pm:

I never have gotten a free start on my magneto... ;)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Chantrell - Adelaide, Australia on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 - 04:21 pm:

Had 4 free starts in a row in front of the Veteran Car Club of SA's club run last Sunday. Leaving after lunch with an audience, set the throttle and timing, turned on the key and she started. Did it another 3 times, that is always good. The old '13 never ceases to stun the critics!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Karl Gilchrist on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 - 05:27 pm:

My 13 will free start 9 out of 10 times when hot - I do richen the mixture prior to turning it off however -Karl


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dan B on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 - 08:09 pm:

The interesting part is that it only impresses other Model T owners. Who else would know the difference?

I'm with you though Bob. Impresses me every time.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bob Coiro on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 - 08:14 pm:

Every now and then, I get a free shudder, but seldom does the engine actually catch. I think in three years, it only free-started twice. Maybe that has something to do with the way I shut down the engine.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Val Soupios on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 - 08:34 pm:

Bob, try opening the throttle as you turn off the switch. That leaves a charge of gas sufficient to turn her over. Tired, loose engines give more free starts so don't complain too much if your engine is too tight to give you free starts! I know that some people will criticize my advice and say that doing what I suggested will strip the oil from the cylinder walls and cause more friction wear but it was common practice to facilitate easier starting even after the self starter was introduced and I doubt it will be a real problem given the limited use our cars get these days.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kenneth W DeLong on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 - 09:12 pm:

Retard the spark count 1 2 3 4 5 and shut off the switch.Bud.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gene Carrothers Huntington Beach on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 - 09:19 pm:

Many years ago at the local Belmont Car Show I watched an old guy with a T put on a show and tell for the crowd.
He would get his car set just right and then go around and give the front tire a good kick and magically the car would start!

Now I watched him do this for many many times in a row without fail till I got tired of it. I had just bought my car the year before and pretty green concerning the T. I'll never forget him asking the crowd "You know where the old saying of Kick the Tire came from" Then give his demo.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bud Holzschuh - Panama City, FL on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 - 10:09 pm:

I am enjoying hearing ways to help a T get a free start. Anyone else have further suggestions ?

Hopefully nothing involving strange dances and chicken heads. ;o)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dick Fischer on Thursday, November 14, 2013 - 12:24 am:

Soon after my Dad acquired his '12 in 1962, I prepped it for a normal crank start. With no Model T experience other than a short demonstration from Dad, I went out early Saturday morning to take my first solo drive.

Jacked up the right rear wheel (temp was in the 40's), choked it thoroughly. double checked the front wheel chocks and the throttle & spark levers, then turned the switch to Battery. It started instantly ! I was so shocked that I immediately turned off the switch. Then went through the setup routine all over again and proceeded to crank it. Like to never got it started.

Later in the day I told Dad what had happened and he just laughed at my reaction. Then he said, "Yeah, they do that from time to time."

I wonder how many others got their first free start without knowing in advance that it might do that ?

Dick


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Chantrell - Adelaide, Australia on Thursday, November 14, 2013 - 01:01 am:

I keep mine running with the timing and throttle set as you would drive, count to 5, then switch her off. I turn on the key to battery, then retard the timing, more often than not she at least fires!

What made last Sunday really good as it was in was in front of Napier, Siddley Deasy, Cadillac and other make owners.

I am told that only 2 makes of cars can start this way; Rolls Royce and a Ford!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Chantrell - Adelaide, Australia on Thursday, November 14, 2013 - 01:01 am:

I keep mine running with the timing and throttle set as you would drive, count to 5, then switch her off. I turn on the key to battery, then retard the timing, more often than not she at least fires!

What made last Sunday really good as it was in was in front of Napier, Siddley Deasy, Cadillac and other make owners.

I am told that only 2 makes of cars can start this way; Rolls Royce and a Ford!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Chantrell - Adelaide, Australia on Thursday, November 14, 2013 - 02:03 am:

Sorry about the double post. I forgot to mention that the car runs standard Ford coils & standard roller timer. Nothing at all fancy. Just the way Henry made her.


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