MTFCA Forum

Something odd occurring in my 1913 runabout. When you push the forward gear pedal to the floor in "low" it sticks to the floor when you take your foot off to go to "high". Not sure what is causing it - it sticks for about 7 seconds the releases. It is NOT rubbing on the floor boards. I am sure something needs adjustment - just not sure what. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Usually means your low band needs to taken up a bit.

You need to adjust your linkage and low speed band per the Model T manual. Your pedal shouldn’t be hitting the floor boards.

Every T owner needs to own the "bible" and read it cover to cover !

Aside from the above, check the internal band spring.
Thats an item that will loose its tension unless replaced with each band change.
Also possible it has broken.

What probably happens is that the linkage from the pedal goes 'over center' that is the way a Winchester rifle bolt locks, it is a clear sign your bands need adjustment (and maybe the linkage too), you might even need new band linings.
Lift your floorboards and have a looksee, and you'll see what i mean.
Open the trans cover and with the manual in hand and a T buddy near, start one of the most basic T maintenance jobs,
Have fun !

Besides Hard Copy & CD manuals there are also many available on-line for free. So if you don't have the hard copy....
For example his link is for the 1913 service manual that can be downloaded (printing as well if you have lots of paper)
CLICK ON THE IMAGES BELOW TO ENLARGE THEM
http://www.cimorelli.com/mtdl/1913/default.htm
So here is what they have on Band adjustment also the index to other manuals for the 1913 that are available --
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Numerous documents are available, Owners Manual, Service Manuals & Bulletins, Parts Listings etc etc. Indexed by year or Title - -
This is a complete 1915 Service Manual all 296 pages
This is the link to it (too large to add here as an attachment) http://www.cimorelli.com/mtdl/servicemanual/default.htm
Looks like this --
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Another good reference is https://modeltfordfix.com/adjusting-the ... nd-clutch/

Kaiser, Could you clarify "over center"? I am having difficulty visualizing what is involved. Thanks.

When the first gear pedal is pressed down the relationship between the eye on the pedal and the linkage to the clutch arm approaches a straight line. If the linkage is adjusted on the short side, it can make a straight line, and may well drop "over centre", and hold the pedal down. Easily fixed by hooking your toe under the pedal and lifting it up, but the linkage should be adjusted to correct the condition. Having it happen can be a safety embarrassment at the wrong time.

Allan from down under.

Over the years the low cam and low notch wear out and the pedal does not move in inward as you pass the neutral point. Remove the floorboard and see if it still sticks. If those two parts are very worn you will need to tighten the band so tight that it drags in neutral and high which will wear out the bands and also overheat the drum and lead to a cracked drum. This could be the case with your car. Have someone who lives in your area check it out and see if that is the cause of the problem.
Norm

Alan and Norman beat me to it, in below exerpt from the manual , look at the relation between the three turning points in the linkage, the pedal axle, the connection between pedal and adjustable link, and the clevis of the link at the clutch arm.
If there is to much travel because of wear the three points can come inline or slightly past that when pushing the pedal down, this is called ' over centre' and causes the pedal to remain in its down position.
As is mentioned in the text.