I'm puzzled

Discuss all things Model T related.
Forum rules
If you need help logging in, or have question about how something works, use the Support forum located here Support Forum
Complete set of Forum Rules Forum Rules

Topic author
Glenn 1923
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Jun 10, 2023 3:41 pm
First Name: Glenn
Last Name: Kolano
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1921 Canadian touring
Location: London Ontario
Board Member Since: 2023

I'm puzzled

Post by Glenn 1923 » Sat Jun 10, 2023 4:05 pm

I have a 1921 touring. Two years ago I had the engine rebuilt and it has been running like a trooper up to 2 weeks ago.
I have been on 3 tours and the last one was in Lexington Michigan. That's when she developed a miss.

I nursed her home and then started to look for the problem. Gas was getting through nice and clean. Spark plugs were cleaned and gapped.
No change. The roller timer was a little rough so that was replaced with new. Still missing and at this point the #1 plug was not firing.
Replaced the #1 coil. Now it won't fire and is back firing.

So I checked all the connections and placed the spark plugs on the block. Turning the engine by the crank I got spark on #1,2,4,3 in that order.
When the #1 is sparking the piston seems to be at the top. Reinstalled plugs and it still will not start and is backfiring. When the plugs are removed they are wet so to me that indicates they are getting gas.

What am i missing?? Any suggestions would be appreciated.


zdillinger
Posts: 27
Joined: Fri Jun 25, 2021 1:33 pm
First Name: Zachary
Last Name: Dillinger
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 Ford Model T
Location: Charlotte, MI

Re: I'm puzzled

Post by zdillinger » Sat Jun 10, 2023 4:13 pm

Does it do it when running on magneto, battery, or both?


TXGOAT2
Posts: 7391
Joined: Sun Feb 14, 2021 10:08 pm
First Name: Pat
Last Name: McNallen
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926-7 roadster
Location: Graham, Texas
Board Member Since: 2021

Re: I'm puzzled

Post by TXGOAT2 » Sat Jun 10, 2023 4:34 pm

Did your car get rained on, either running or parked, or did you wash it? A damp coil box or any other part of the high tension side of the ignition system can cause issues. If you have wooden parts in your ignition system, problems may persist even after everything is completely dry.


Topic author
Glenn 1923
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Jun 10, 2023 3:41 pm
First Name: Glenn
Last Name: Kolano
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1921 Canadian touring
Location: London Ontario
Board Member Since: 2023

Re: I'm puzzled

Post by Glenn 1923 » Sat Jun 10, 2023 4:41 pm

Mine doesn't run on mag. Battery only the last years.
Did have a bit of rain on tour but coil box was dry and in good shape.

User avatar

DanTreace
Posts: 3812
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 10:56 am
First Name: Dan
Last Name: Treace
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: ‘12 open express,'23 cutoff, '27 touring
Location: North Central FL
Board Member Since: 2000
Contact:

Re: I'm puzzled

Post by DanTreace » Sat Jun 10, 2023 4:43 pm

Coil or two may be grounding out at the timer case.

Check carefully to be sure the timer housing contacts are not hitting any metal, like a bolt head, timing rod, or the front plate.
The best way is always the simplest. The attics of the world are cluttered up with complicated failures. Henry Ford
Don’t find fault, find a remedy; anybody can complain. Henry Ford


Norman Kling
Posts: 4634
Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2019 1:39 pm
First Name: Norman
Last Name: Kling
Location: Alpine California

Re: I'm puzzled

Post by Norman Kling » Sat Jun 10, 2023 5:00 pm

Do a compression test. All cylinders should be about the same compression. Also check for an intake manifold leak. if it is drawing in air, on one side of the manifold, it would cause a lean mixture. This could cause a backfire. Especially if it spits through the carburetor.
Norm


Topic author
Glenn 1923
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Jun 10, 2023 3:41 pm
First Name: Glenn
Last Name: Kolano
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1921 Canadian touring
Location: London Ontario
Board Member Since: 2023

Re: I'm puzzled

Post by Glenn 1923 » Sat Jun 10, 2023 5:20 pm

Great suggestions!
Tomorrow at the shop I will check the box and connections again and do a compression test.


John kuehn
Posts: 4433
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 8:00 pm
First Name: John
Last Name: Kuehn
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 19 Roadster, 21 Touring, 24 Coupe
Location: Texas

Re: I'm puzzled

Post by John kuehn » Sat Jun 10, 2023 6:01 pm

Don’t do any tare down removing engine parts or whatever.
Ck all the electrical connections, timer wires rubbing on the block, especially the coil box, wiring, any area where it could be grounded.
IF YOU ARE IN A GARAGE START WHEN ITS DARK OR AT NIGHT. Check the car and see if there is any sparking or any connection not arcing when a wire is taken off and on. A loose nut on the coil box can give you fits. Been there and done that and that’s all it was on my car. I should have checked it first but didn’t.
Good luck!

Post Reply Previous topicNext topic