Preferred Starting procedure
 

So, I just bought another Model A (my fourth) but my first stock model A. Just wondering what the preferred starting procedure is for these things. I expect each engine be somewhat unique so i will have to "fine tune" my procedure but just wondering where is a good place to start (no pun intended) regarding spark, throttle, choke.

Re: Preferred Starting procedure
 

Good sources on YouTube. Make sure you are in neutral. Spark , lever on the left, all the way up. Throttle, lever on the right, cracked open just a little. Gas valve on. Key on. Pull choke and hold. Push starter, after a few turns release choke. Engine should start. Lower spark lever about the 9:00 position.

Re: Preferred Starting procedure
 

Turn on fuel. Turn on power disconect. Spark lever full retard(up). Set hand throttle to 10%. Turn gav out 1 turn. Check for nuetral. I then bump my horn button to check for voltage(just my routine). Turn on key. Press starter. Pull out choke full for one second. Then flutter it after it fires for a few seconds to keep it alive. Then slow the hand throttle back to a nice idle and bring the advance down to middle. Release hand brake. After about 20 seconds mine is warm enough to drive off. Turn gav in to 1/8 to 1/4 open. Set hand throttle to 0. when your getting up to higher speeds you may want to add more advance.

Re: Preferred Starting procedure
 

Start with the owners manual.:D
http://www.motormayhem.net/wp-upload...ion-Manual.pdf

Bob

Re: Preferred Starting procedure
 

"gav" would be?????????

Re: Preferred Starting procedure
 

GAV = the choke knob also turns. To start twist it counter clock wise 1360 degrees. After the engine start turn it clockwise 270 degrees.
Random ROG

Re: Preferred Starting procedure
 

Twisty thing on choke. Turn right to close, left to open.

Re: Preferred Starting procedure
 

I like this one. Volt meters can't tell you if a battery is unable to support a load. For instance, a corroded terminal will still show 6V sitting, but drop a lot when a load is applied. The horn takes a pretty significant draw. If your "Ahooga" turns into a sick calf bleat, you may know you'll have starting problems before they happen.

Re: Preferred Starting procedure
 

Re: Preferred Starting procedure
 

Gas Adjusting Valve, part of the choke mechanism.

Re: Preferred Starting procedure
 

Idle enrichment for cold starts. I open mine 1 to 1 1/2 turns for the first start of the day, then within a couple minutes I lightly close the valve. Some leave it 1/4 turn open.

Re: Preferred Starting procedure
 

What Bob said!

Re: Preferred Starting procedure
 

FIRST, make SURE you have your DRIVERS' LISCENSE, just in case it STARTS! ! !
SA Bill W.

Re: Preferred Starting procedure
 

No choke? Doesn't sound well tuned to me.

Re: Preferred Starting procedure
 

Even as a relatively new member, I know it is time to grab the popcorn, sit back and watch the show!

Re: Preferred Starting procedure
 

OK, here is my chapter to this saga. The video I made on the subject.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlqz7cTBYq0

Re: Preferred Starting procedure
 

Carburetor Adjusting Rod "CAR" in the manual.

I guess here it could be called the PAV on the steering column.

Re: Preferred Starting procedure
 

I found where my car likes the GAV set, and haven't touched it since. But I'm running a Tillotson carb, which might make a difference.

Re: Preferred Starting procedure
 

Except on coldest days, Minerva always started with NO CHOKE!
Bill W.

Re: Preferred Starting procedure
 

I watched the video but no mention of the "gav". The guy I bought the car from admitted that he didn't know much about them and only drove it around the farm a bit. When he went to start it I asked why he didn't turn the fuel on and he said that he never closes the fuel valve but rather, closes off the fuel with the choke knob al, the way clockwise, then open the fuel by turning it all the way counterclockwise. Didn't seem right to me but might explain why it runs rough and seems to run rich.

Re: Preferred Starting procedure
 

If anyone is CONFUSED about the GAV, jist log on & we'll CONFUSE you some MORE--LOL
Chief sed, "When you find its' SWEET SPOT, jist leave it ALONE"!!!
Bill Backwards

Re: Preferred Starting procedure
 

Interesting, I never noticed that.

Bob

Re: Preferred Starting procedure
 

I have a Zenith, and my car starts right up at 1/4 turn, I rearly need to pull the GAV. The Previous Owner said his mechanic told him to set it and forget it.

In California we do get down into the 30's (degrees) in winter but only rarely into the 20's so cold starts are not really a problem for me.

David Serrano

Re: Preferred Starting procedure
 

Mine is same as David Serrano.

Re: Preferred Starting procedure
 

When cold my car needs to have the choke pulled out to fire then starts immediately once it is released. That's quite normal for any four stroke engine, if they start without any choke they will be running too rich for the rest of the time. You can't argue with common sense.
PS I first tried that way because all the books that I read by Model A experts said that was the way. They were right.

Re: Preferred Starting procedure
 

At least on my rigs, you need to turn the fuel valve on and off. If you do not turn it off, you may end up with gas all over your floor underneath your rig depending on how well your carb is maintained. I always turn the fuel valve off when parking the rig. Then while running the rig awhile to get it warm, I adjust the GAV till it "sounds" like it is getting the right amount of gas. You will find the "sweet" spot for your GAV as you get into it more. Then you will find, at least I do, that you don't need to adjust the GAV very often. Have fun!

Re: Preferred Starting procedure
 

Minerva started with NO CHOKE & wasn't TOO RICH! 12,000 miles & NEVER pulled a plug!---SO THERE!!!--I tole you I wuz GOOD!
Bill Smartass

Re: Preferred Starting procedure
 

1360 degrees! :eek:

Re: Preferred Starting procedure
 

Thanks for all the reply's. I understand the "features" of carb and ignition now and should be able to work it out. Thanks again.

Re: Preferred Starting procedure
 

I often would start my '29 coupe with the crank, but needed to make two modifications: A clothespin to hold the rod back for a couple of pulls on the crank; and a wire running from the choke through just beneath the radiator to where the crank was so I could re-open the choke without having to get back into the car and remove the clothespin. Worked every time. Crank starting always impressed the ladies in the college parking lot.