Started my T this morning.

[John Codman]

Not a big deal normally, but my '27 Touring car has been sitting in the garage since about September of 2022. It was at that time that we discovered that the bride had a terminal illness; she died in November of that year. I needed some electrical work done in the garage, and the T had to move. I put a battery charger on it, then pumped up the tires - I am fortunate enough to have a real industrial-type air compressor, then drained the old gas and put a gallon or two of fresh, non-adulterated gas back in. It started on the second try and settled down into a smooth idle. Then I drove 'er outside. It felt great to be behind the T's wheel again. I think I'll get some more gas and take it for a ride in the next few days.

[Moxie26]

A bright, sun, warm and cloudless sky in the early spring means a lot to enjoy your first ride of the season. Wouldn't hurt to change your oil , get more gas and enjoy! .... Your bride will always be with you in your heart and your mind.

[Norman Kling]

I'm very sorry about your loss.
You may need to clean the carburetor and fuel line in order to get it to run. Old gas tends to get like varnish and will clog up the small passages.
Also check coolant level. If it is lower than the center of the top radiator tank you might have some leaks. If it has leaked into the crankcase, you should change the oil. It will also start up easier if you jack up at least one rear wheel.
Norm

[John Codman]

Hi Norman, The one thing that I have done during the T's extended down time is to periodically drain the strainer bowl and allow some gas to drain from the carburetor. The gas is then put through a paint strainer before I mix it with my riding lawn tractor fuel. I'm a bit anal about gasoline because I have been rescued twice by the AAA when the T quit. Both times it was crud in the carburetor. As to the oil, it is probably due for an oil change, but I stopped worrying about quantity years ago. My T does not leak or burn engine oil. I am now past the point where I even give a thought to the engine oil. I change it and forgeddabout it until the next time I decide to change it. People always talk about the leaks in various antique cars, but my 27 T is actually one of the driest older cars that I have owned. The rear end drips a little, but that's about it.

[Harvey Bergstrom]

John,
So sorry for the loss of your wife a couple years ago. Getting your T out again is just what the doctor ordered for you. You obviously love your car and I’m certain you had many great tours in it with your beloved. As you no longer physically have your wife, you have her spirit & precious memories, take them with you when you drive your T & enjoy the beautiful days ahead of you. God bless you!

[John Codman]

Thanks for the kind comments folks.

[Moxie26]

With your sunny weather today, you be privileged to. Enjoy the Sun and the trip... Just watch out for the " nuts " on the road

[John Codman]

Driving in Florida is an adventure, and the problem isn't the old folks. I live on an arrow-straight (for seven miles) road posted at 45mph, which means that the prevailing speed is 50-55 mph. I only take the T out at times when the traffic is very light, and I have two annoyingly bright magnetic red strobes that I attach to the back of the T when I take 'er out. I wouldn't even consider driving the T at night here.

[TXGOAT2]

The problem with night driving here is pigs and deer. I have upgraded (50 CP ?) bulbs and good reflectors, but the lighting is only good for about 30 MPH on the narrow back roads. I have one tail/brake light light, and would like to add another, and some red reflector at the rear. 6 volt LED headlights would be nice...

[John Codman]

The problem with night driving here is pigs and deer. I have upgraded (50 CP ?) bulbs and good reflectors, but the lighting is only good for about 30 MPH on the narrow back roads. I have one tail/brake light light, and would like to add another, and some red reflector at the rear. 6 volt LED headlights would be nice...

The developers have run the wild Pigs out of my area, and I think the Bears are gone too. There is a huge housing development planned near me that will eliminate the highly endangered Florida Panthers in our area as well - in fact it may eliminate them period. There are so few, that if we lose a few more, there my not be a sustainable breeding population of Panthers. I still see a Deer once in a while, but even Deer are getting fewer and farther between. S. W. Florida is no longer the tropical paradise that it once was.