I'm new to Model T's, this is my third winter owning one. For some reason my Model T is having a hard time starting up this winter. I've read where people jack up the rear wheels (which I have done) but it still had a hard time starting. What's the cause of this and how can It be fixed? I assume it's because of the cold? Also to note is that I switched to 30 weight oil after using 10-w30 the past two years.
The change in oil is probably the biggest reason for the difficulty in starting this year. I use 30wt oil all the time, and I have found that if you park the car with the clutch lever engaged, and only set the park brake when you are starting the car, you do not need to jack up the rear tire unless it gets below zero.
5w-30 would make it a lot easier to start in the cold. Can you be more specific with the symptoms? Is it having a hard time turning over with the starter, just doesn't want to catch and fire, or does it start up and then die unless you give it a lot of gas?
Besides just the oil some things to check are how well charged your battery is and if all of your connections and contacts are clean and not corroded. That alone can make a huge difference. Is the gas in the tank fresh? Lastly, have you worked on anything or changed something besides just the oil? Especially since you swapped oils. A lot of times whatever you tweaked last is the source of trouble.
Easiest? Dump the 30 wt. had the same problem.
Indeed, straight 30 weight oil will make the car hard to start in anything less than warm weather. It also will not be circulated in the engine as easily when cold, compared to 5W-30. So you can expect more rapid engine wear along with hard starting.
battery is new last spring fully charged , all connections are clean and tight. I am on vacation until the 2nd ,I guess I will change the oil to 5w-30 . She just started with some hesitation, it's 57 in the barn, wheels spun for 2 mins. Thank you for all the advice Have a Merry Christmas and a Great New Year
My Tudor starts harder this winter and I adjusted my clutch and bands this fall. I think that made the difference. Spring is probably the best time to adjust them. FWIW I use 10-30.
Rich
Oil issue aside, richen the mixture for a cold start in cold weather. Turn the control rod 1/4 turn counterclockwise.
Oil is an issue but I find that opening the mixture adjustment 1/2 turn makes all the difference plus I find that if I fully choke and crank over 4 full times with the throttle open 1/2 way it helps. I then turn on the switch and usually one pull starts the car. I have a bad back and always jack up a wheel for cold starts even in the summer. I always run straight 30wt oil but that's because I am tired of leaking oil all over the garage floor. I am sure that lighter oil in cold weather will also help. My dad used to tell me that when he was a kid people would pay him a quarter to start their cars in the winter as you had to spin the hell out of them to get them going when it was really cold!
Val,
Jupiter Florida winter weather is in the low 80's to mid 70's. You have no idea what it is like trying to start Jon's car in Connecticut.
Hey John, try starting your car up here in Granby CT it is much worse
I wouldn't use straight 30 in a T in the summertime. Why would you want to use it in the winter?
In the T days Ford said to use a light oil,
they didn't say cold roofing tar.
The man said it was 57 deg in his barn.There might be more wrong than using roofing tar for oil? Bud.
Was 57, the man lives in Connecticut.
The forecast for his town Tuesday night is 15 F.
You know it's been colder than 57 at night there the last couple of weeks. 57 in the barn, 37 inside the T engine.
Have you ever tried to pour 30 oil at 15F?
Have best results opening the carb a quarter of a turn and full choke for all four cylinders with switch off. Then turn key on. Usually get a free start.