MTFCA Forum

I am a relatively new model t owner of a 1925 open touring model t. I recently had the engine and transmission over hauled/rebuilt I just recently brought it out of winter storage. it started right up and runs fine until a load is applied. No problem in reverse but when trying to go forward the engine dies. I tried it several times and never was really able to get going. I finally got it back in the garage. I thought it might be a timing issue but it runs fine when no load is applied. Does anyone have a suggestion as to what may be the cause of the problem and how to fix it?

Perhaps the parking brake is not releasing when it's pushed forward to the drive position. As we know when the parking lever is in the center neutral position the car will operate in reverse but not forward.

Hap: say what ? Now as to the posting: Jack the rear up and check the emergency brake action. They just might be locking in forward & slipping in reverse.

Perry, I have never had my cars unable to drive forward (with low pedal) with the brake lever in the center. In fact I teach new drivers by placing the lever in center so they will be able to drive without the complication of high gear.

It sounds as if you need to check the adjustment of your parking brakes!

IMHO, TH

Tell us more...
Stall in low ? Immediately or slowly ?
What carb, battery or mag ?
Could the reverse or brake bands be to tight ?
Does it roll in neutral with the engine off ?

My park brake drags a little when straight up, but only in reverse, forward is fine. 1 more click forward and it's fine.

Does it do it both on bat and on mag, or on mag only?

If it only does it on mag, you may have too loose end play in the crank, as when you engage the motor, it will pull the magnets away from the field coil, and your ignition will suffer or die... Don't ask me how I know this, but it is indicative of worn end play at the crank.

If it does it on both, then something is binding elsewhere (see the other posts)...

Start with the simplest things first. Make sure you've got good fuel flow to the carb from the tank. I flush out sediment from both the bulb and the carburetor bowl first thing every season. And when was the last time your timer was cleaned. When mine starts running rough, I know I've forgotten to do it.

Howard - I think Terry Horlick has come very close to the problem because he is absolutely correct in that the car should respond normally to "low pedal" and move forward with the low pedal depressed when the hand brake lever is in a vertical position. In the vertical position, the brake shoes should be released, and the cam should be holding the clutch released. If this is not the case, there is definitely something wrong! By "something wrong", I don't mean necessarily something broken, but rather, something terribly out of adjustment. Make all adjustments, literally "by-the-book", and see if that doesn't correct the problem,....FWIW,....harold

I agree, if you can't engage the LOW pedal with the lever vertical, something is definitely out of adjustment.

If it runs in reverse, but not forward, the problem is not in the parking brake. The brake would work in either direction. If you have Rocky Mountain brakes, you might be too tight. In that case the rearward movement tends to disengage the Rocky Brakes, but forward will tighten them. So you might need to adjust them. Another thing, (this might seem stupid) Are you using the low pedal to go forward or are you using high? I know this seems stupid but one could become confused with an ordinary stick shift on which you let out the clutch when you want to go. I would suggest that you find someone in your local area who can check the car and also observe your driving it to see what is causing trouble.
Norm