1929 model a won't stay running!
 

Bought the car a few days ago ran fine. Brought it home on a trailer and it starts but shuts right off after it starts. I try giving it a little gas same thing happens. Saw some videos on starting procedures and I did all the proper procedures. The car just won't stay running. Anyone have any idea or suggestions? Thanks so much.

Re: 1929 model a won't stay running!
 

Start by checking your gas filter screens...one in the sediment bowl and one in the carberator (if Zeneth).

Take a flashlight to see if there is any rust within the gastank.

This is a start of many different avenues.

Have fun.

Where are you at? Might wnt to consider joining up with a local Model A/AA Ford club...They will have you up and running in no time!

Pluck

Pluck

Re: 1929 model a won't stay running!
 

First thing to check is if it is spark quitting.

Pull one brass plug lead off a plug and leave a small gap so you can see spark.

Start and give it a rev if you can and see if the spark is quitting or not .

If the spark is good all the way down to zero revs, then go on the hunt for lack of gas.

Re: 1929 model a won't stay running!
 

Sounds like a fuel issue. You might try cracking open the gas line at the carburetor and turning on the gas at the tank valve to see if you have a good flow. If gas gushes from the carb line, then remove the carburetor and clean it thoroughly. The inlet screen could be partially plugged. Tom Endy has an excellent article on using the lowly paper clip to clean out internal Zenith passage ways without removing passage plugs. I tried it and it works. Good luck

Re: 1929 model a won't stay running!
 

I would say the first thing to check is that the gas valve is open!

Re: 1929 model a won't stay running!
 

That was my first thought. ON is when the handle is up and down. VERTICAL

Re: 1929 model a won't stay running!
 

Re: 1929 model a won't stay running!
 

That was my first thought as wel,l a leaky valve that is closed.

By the way WELCOME to the hobby and to the Fordbarn. It may seem like we have having fun at your expense by we ALL have done something similar.

Please let us know what you find and if it is not the valve we will help you in getting it going.

Where are you located? If you enter your location we can find someone close to you to help.

Re: 1929 model a won't stay running!
 

When I took delivery of my '28 Tudor, it started and idled nicely but stopped as soon as I touched the accelerator. I went straight to the carby and found a piece of crap in the main jet. Cleaned that and it hasn't missed a beat since.
If that accords with what yours is doing, its worth a look.
Good luck. not that you will need it!

Re: 1929 model a won't stay running!
 

Yes gas valve is open

Re: 1929 model a won't stay running!
 

I figured that would be too easy. The next step is to remove the fuel line at the carb and see if you get a strong stream into a quart jar. Let it flow for several seconds, and if the flow is good, then take the carb apart and clean it. As mentioned, be sure the screen at the carb inlet is clean.

Re: 1929 model a won't stay running!
 

it starts but shuts right off after it starts.

Are you saying it only lasts a couple of seconds?

Re: 1929 model a won't stay running!
 

Yes only stays running for a few seconds them dies right Away. Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you

Re: 1929 model a won't stay running!
 

That's the knob where the choke is correct? I was told on a cold start to turn it clockwise as far as it will go, then back off counterclockwise a quarter turn to a half a turn.

Re: 1929 model a won't stay running!
 

Try keeping the choke partially pulled out a little longer.

Re: 1929 model a won't stay running!
 

Yeah, I tried that yesterday, did the same thing

Re: 1929 model a won't stay running!
 

Should be open one turn for a cold start. See page 8
of the owners manual at this link. http://www.motormayhem.net/wp-upload...ion-Manual.pdf

Bob

Re: 1929 model a won't stay running!
 

Yes, what Bob said. I turn my GAV 1 to 1 1/2 turns open for the first minute on a cold engine, and if the engine starts to die after a few seconds on a cold start, then I also give the choke a quick pull and release. I let it idle about 1 minute then close my GAV and drive away. Most people leave the GAV a quarter turn open, and I could also because it runs the same as when I close it.

Re: 1929 model a won't stay running!
 

So 1 full turn open for a minute or so then close it almost all the way? Do you think that could be the reason it keeps shutting off?

Re: 1929 model a won't stay running!
 

It could be, but be sure to keep it open even 1 1/2 turns and try it. Also give the choke a quick pull and release if it starts to die, then let us know if it helps. So far it sounds fuel related, but I don't think we have enough clues yet to say it couldn't also be electrical.

Re: 1929 model a won't stay running!
 

Go BACK and reread post#11. If you didn't check that, no need to fiddle with the GAV.

Fuel, air, spark.

Paul in CT

Re: 1929 model a won't stay running!
 

I had the same problem about a month ago. It turned out to be a clogged gas cap vent.

Loosen the gas cap.

Re: 1929 model a won't stay running!
 

I agree with previous poster---no need to fiddle with anything else until you give us results of #11. Speaking of GAV, I have no idea how many turns in and out mine is set. When cold, I just adjust it richer to keep it running smoothly and within a mile I find the "sweet spot". Then leave it alone until the next cold start

Re: 1929 model a won't stay running!
 

Welcome to the Barn. Sounds like a fuel issue...I had a similar experience when I brought mine home. Ran great for the maiden voyage, but after a bit, it stirred up rust that had lingered in the tank, which then plugged the line and carb. Then it would only run when choked, and then quit.

I'm sure the veteran Barners here will get you going soon, but you may want to see if there is a Model A club near you, and reach out to them as well. Take it from another newbie...having some experienced folks right there with you is invaluable. In a short time, I've learned what would undoubtable have taken many years...and avoided making some dumb (or dangerous) decisions/mistakes by listening and asking questions.

Re: 1929 model a won't stay running!
 

Still sounds like a fuel problem.

But is any fuel getting out?

If it only runs for a few seconds keeping it open for a minute will be of no help. Remove the fuel line at the carb and see if you get a strong stream into a quart jar.

Wait, Did you do anything to the timing before you started the car the first time? Way out of time could give the symptom that it wants to start but won't keep going.

Re: 1929 model a won't stay running!
 

I put the spark advance all the way up like the instructions say, and it is doing the same problem, I'm going to check the fuel lines and tank and go from there.

Re: 1929 model a won't stay running!
 

I have had a bad coil act this same way. Twice . Are your plugs wet, or is any gas dripping or wet in the carb throat?

Re: 1929 model a won't stay running!
 

Having same problem with 31 sport coupe! Loosened cap, it started right up but shot blue flames out back of carb! Turned it off ASAP! What does that mean

Re: 1929 model a won't stay running!
 

I was helping a friend with his car that had the same symptoms. There was fuel in the tank but low. I took the line off the carburetor and put it in a container. When I turned on the gas none came out. Turns out the after market fitting on the fuel tank (read Home Depot) would not allow all the gas to drain out of the tank. We put in a few gallons and the car ran fine.

Re: 1929 model a won't stay running!
 

Took the fuel line loose to check that already & very good flow from line so don’t think that is the problem but thanks for your reply! Not sure why blue flames shot out of back of carburetor when I removed the gas cap unless allowed to much fuel in all at once! As you have guessed I’m sure I’m not a mechanic! We are selling the car which heretofore started right up first crank & ran like a top until the day we have a buyer that wants to come look at her! Any other ideas appreciated, our mechanic can’t get here until Tuesday or Wednesday!

Re: 1929 model a won't stay running!
 

It bounced around on the trailer and stirred up the crud in the tank

Re: 1929 model a won't stay running!
 

Crud in the tank, crud in the carburetor. Take the carburetor apart enough to spray carburetor cleaner in it and blow it out with compressed air. You may not need to take all the jets out. If the main jet is partially clogged it will run lean and pop out the intake. The blue flame out the intake is an indication of a lean mixture.

Re: 1929 model a won't stay running!
 

Actually, I have come across one Model A where the On position was HORIZONTAL ... as I hadn't worked on that particular car before it took me some time to fathom it out ! A rogue tap from someplace else I suspect .
Sjstephen 54... when we say that GAV is usually 1/4 turn or so open I suspect we are all assuming your carb is a Zenith, I find Tillotsons need the GAV adjuster turned about 1 full turn open .

PS Welcome back to the Barn, Tom . Hope you're getting things sorted.