MTFCA Forum

I will be attempting to start my 1926 coupe today. I have mentioned in other threads that my engine was sent to George King III and totally overhauled by him in 2010 with new babbits throughout, surfaced block, head and manifold port faces, new valves and valve seats, .030 over cylinders, new aluminum pistons, rebuilt spark coils, rebuilt mag coil, new Champion X spark plugs, new battery, etc. The works. Even though it was overhauled 12 years ago, it is still tight because I only ever drove it around the quiet streets on my neighborhood and I probably don’t even have 50 miles on it, so it is not even fully broken in. Last month, I installed four brand new Goodyear tires, flaps and tubes on it.

With all this in mind, before trying to start it, what precautions should I take to ensure there is sufficient oil to the main and push rod bearings to prevent damage to the babbits? I’m sure that, after seven years, they are pretty much devoid of oil and dry. Do you suppose that, if I were to take out the spark plugs and turn the crank as fast as I can, or jack up one of the rear wheels, it would splash enough oil around the crankcase to lubricate the bearings? I have a hogshead high volume outside line oiler on my T that, once running, delivers plenty of oil from the hogshead to the crankcase between the #1 & #2 bearings. Jim Patrick

Removing spark plugs and hand cranking will circulate the oil without putting stress in the bearings will be less strain on your arm ..... sounds good

Jim, you did not read my advice on your other thread https://mtfca.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=28461 on April 20, 2:58 regarding starting this car, did you? Or perhaps you just don't believe it?

Yes Scott. I read your advice and it was immensely helpful, especially that you would treat it as a new engine, adding the extra oil and care of the new bearings. I read it early enough yesterday to have time in the day to add the extra oil you recommended so as to be ready to start it today. Since yours was the only advice concerning starting precaution for a new engine, I wanted to get concurring opinions, but I received few opinions that did not add to your advice. Thank you. Jim Patrick

I will cocoure. Scott"s advice was exhaustive. Safest way to recommission a motor. I dont do this much to recommission a T, but I will from here on. Great advice.

I appreciate all of the great advice. I got my T started and after it warmed up, I stopped it and emptied out the extra oil, as per Scott’s advice, then restarted and drove it around the neighborhood. Cars stopped as I drove by and people waved. Amazing that Model T’s garner so much interest! I drove it to show my father in law and when I went to restart it with the crank, I got a free start. I put on the emergency brake, turned the key to BATT and walked to the front to start it. As I got ready to grab the crank, it started. Fantastic! I could not be happier with the wonderful way it runs and drives. Thanks again everyone. It is such a relief to have her running again and running so good! Jim Patrick

Jim, I'm very happy for you. The start up of a new engine, or an engine which has sat for years is an exhilarating feeling.

Now, what's all this talk of selling the thing?

Thank you, Scott. After buying it from an old man in Tampa, FL in 1970 for $600.00 and bringing it back from the dead and having cared for her for 52 years, I am starting to feel my mortality. Even having recently done so much work on it to get it ready to start and getting behind the wheel to drive it for the first time in 7 years with my bad Marine knees reminded me that I’m not as flexible as I used to be, for I almost was unable to get my knees under the steering wheel and my feet on the pedals. While the T is in perfect mechanical and cosmetic condition, I believe that now is the time to pass it on to a new generation to enjoy and take care of for the next 50 years. Also, at 68 years of age, if something were to happen to me, my wife and son would have no idea how to sell it for the funds she would need after I am gone. It is for this reason that since September, 2021, I have sold over 200 items on eBay, so far for a total of $45,000.00. I know there are many on this site that are older than me and feel as spry as a 30 year old, but life is uncertain as is evidenced by the many members we have recently lost that were healthy until they weren’t. As much as I’d love to keep it for another 50 years, time marches on. Take care, Scott. Thanks again for your help. Jim Patrick

Well, I can understand. At 64 it is getting harder to get up off of the floor. Fortunately those rare occurrences when I am on the floor are still generally planned events... so far.

:I just turned 78. It's getting harder and harder to not only get up from the floor but also to get down on the floor. If I had the headroom, there would be lift in my garage.
Regardless, I enjoy working on my cars, Model t and the modern ones.

Art Mirtes

I wish I felt as good as I did when I was 80. I tell the doctor, but he does not satisfy me at all when he says, "You can do more than most men your age!" I turned 86 this February. Then I see all the canes, crutches, walkers and wheelchairs, and realize he is right. A Model T open car is easy to get under. Just hang on to the door to start the way down, then the running board. Then roll down on a creeper and if you are slim, you don't even need to jack up the car. If more robust, you put up on jack stands or run the front end up on ramps. Then to get up, roll out and grab the running board. Usually If I face down on hands and knees, it is easier to get up than to do it from being on my back. Just pull up on the running board and sit up for a minute to get the blood flowing up toward the head and then lean forward and flex the knees and stand up. You can check the oil by getting on the knees opposite the petcock and then reach in with the left hand. You don't even need to crawl under.
Norm

You guys are an inspiration. When I was driving the T into the garage, I almost didn’t get my foot up on the brake in time. I stopped it within 3” of the drill press. Whew! Of course, at 6’3” my legs are almost too long to fit between the steering wheel and the pedals. As it is, I have to scooch up the seat back for them to fit. LOL!

Are there any model t driver/mechanics older than Norman.

Art Mirtes