Hey all,
I've read through the article on taking a T out of mothballs, done some of the more basic inspections called for, and put in a big order with Bob's that I'm now waiting for. I assume it has either pooched or just plain missing seals on the engine judging by the sheer amount of oil caked on the case, electricity won't make it from the battery to the engine for whatever reason, front spring shackle bushings are horribly worn, the wheel brakes are out of adjustment and it seems something just ain't right in the rear axle so it's clear I'm not going for a cruise any time soon.
What if I wanted to throw caution to the wind and just hear this thing run in my driveway while, I assume, it shoots oil in every direction? Is it just a matter of checking the oil quantity and quality, putting some gas in, hooking the battery directly to ground and the bottom of the coil box and just going to town on the crank? (Don't worry, I know about starting on the up stroke, tucking my thumb alongside my fingers and retarding the spark) Is this doable do you think or is it likely to do more harm than good and I should just have patience and do it right?
Just as a precaution in case it starts, I'd jack a rear wheel off the floor. If the coils aren't buzzing when you turn on the switch, see if a wire with alligator clips from the battery directly to the BAT terminal on the coil box will get them going. If the coils buzz and there's gas to the carburetor, choke it a couple of turns with the wire disconnected then hook up the wire and give it a go. You didn't mention the cooling system. If there's no coolant, don't run it for more than a few seconds.
You need to make sure the timing is adjusted properly, not just set to the retarded position. You need to verify that the spark occurs just after TDC when the lever is up. Then you can trust the position setting. You might also want to rig up an auxiliary fuel tank, like from a riding mower, to make sure you're not getting trash into the carb. Speaking of carb, you might want to make sure its clean enough to run
. A can of carb cleaner may be sufficient for what you are trying to do.