1926 Model T Touring

[OleGeorge]

I just can't seem to keep my T to where it starts easily after it's been setting. I Prime it for 3 or 4 cranks. I set the choke up a little. Then turn the switch on . I have to crank I would say 8-10 times to get it going. It had been 2-3 after it was primed and it would go. I have noticed that about after the second crank of priming pulling the choke lever the carburetor is running out gas on the floor. I have new plugs, has one rebuilt coil and have redid the points on some of the other coils. A new Day Timer was installed. It starts very easily after its been. Since the New Day Timer was installed I get a lot of Free Starts as well. Any suggestions on how to get my T to start up from Cold Starts with less cranking?

Thanks.

[Jones in Aiken SC]

I'm guessing you are giving it too much priming and have wet plugs. Try two cranks with the choke plate closed (assuming you are starting cold) then switch on and crank it. If you live where it is hot maybe just one crank with the choke. At least that is how my Model T behaves. YMMV, of course.

If it is still fairly warm, just open the mixture a half turn or so without any choking.

[Norman Kling]

You talk about cranking with the key off then turning it on. Are you using the hand crank or the starter? Why don't you try pulling the choke with the key on and use the starter? Then it would start when the prime is just right. You might be flooding the engine the way you are doing it. Another thing is the new day timer. If you changed the timer, you might need to adjust the spark control rod from the steering column to the timer. All timers do not adjust with exactly the same length rod. As soon as it starts. switch to magneto and advance the spark. Next thing is to adjust the fuel mixture to where it runs smoothest. After it warms up, re-adjust the fuel mixture and you should be ready to go.
Norm

[speedytinc]

Does sound like you are flooding. Is it possible the needle is leaking a bit, raising the fuel level?
If it sits with the fuel on, does it drip? Do you shut the fuel off after running or leave it on all the time?

My T takes 3 1/4 choke pulls cold. then mag or battery on & 1/4 pull to start.
When warm, sitting for an hour or less, 1/4 start pull.(no choke)
If not running for over an hour, 1/4 choke & 1/4 start pull.
I never need to mess with the mixture adjustment.
I also shut off the fuel & run the bowl dry so the fuel load is fresh. In Ca. our fuel loses its volitails thru the bowl vent.

[Humblej]

Rustin,
I do not know your experience level so I will start from scratch.

One coil is rebuilt and the others you changed the points...The coils need to be adjusted on a hand crank coil tester to get the right output, check for sparking and double sparking. If you just set the gap with a feeler gage you probably don't have efficient coils, that will affect spark, starting, and engine performance.

When you change out your timer, it is important to set the timing. If your timing is off it can be dangerous and you can get seriously injured hand cranking. With the spark lever fully retarded the plug should fire just after TDC. If your timing is off and not fully retarded you run the risk of the engine starting prior to TDC and attempt to run backwards. If it momentarily runs backwards it will pull the crank out of your hand swing around and hit you in the wrist or arm before you even know it happened.

The mixture knob should be closed and opened 1 1/2 turns to start cold. Once it warms up you will need to back the mixture off about 1/2 a turn, just listen for the engine to stumble and you know you have gone too far and open it up a little until it idles smooth. When starting warm leave the mixture where it was when it was running.

With the spark lever fully retarded and the gas lever closed or just a couple of notches, key off, pull the crank one or two 1/4 turns with the choke rod pulled to prime the cylinder, then key on and another 1/4 pull of the crank. If it does not start on the first pull, leave the choke alone and try some more pulls. If it does not start after a few pulls, then choke during your next pull, but I wouldn't prime any more, just the once, or it could flood the cylinder.

[Jones in Aiken SC]

My recommendation was based on hand cranking. I forgot about those of you who have those new-fangled starting motors!

[OleGeorge]

Thanks to all for the advice and information on the Starting of the Model T. I , do believe indeed I was flooding the engine. I started it with less pulls of the choke closed. It started much easier.

[Jones in Aiken SC]

Good to hear and thanks for reporting back! Too often advice is given out and we never hear how things turn out.