First start
 

Good morning everyone. I live in upstate NY near the Canadian Border. Our Model A’s unfortunately sit all winter do to the gross amounts of salt they spread on the roads. I often wonder after the cars sit for a good 5 to 6 months. Is there something I should be putting down into each cylinder just to give it a little extra lubrication before starting it after being dormant for so long?
Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you….

Re: First start
 

5 to 6 months is not long. you are fine as is.

Re: First start
 

ronn is correct.

My cars sit for the same amount of time for the last 30 years. I turn the key and just go.

Re: First start
 

I shut them off in the fall,and start them up and drive off in the spring.Usually Oct-Nov,to April-May.If I think of it I put Stabil in the gas.Hear dozens of fairy tales of how the gas somehow majically turns to an evil brew over the winter,but have never once seen it happen.I parked my 30 pickup planning to move it over the winter,but didn't get to it for 7 years.That one put out a bad smell.I poured 5 gallons of fresh gas on top of the 2 or 3 that was in it,and ran it out.I've worked on equipment and engines since 1972,hundreds of them,and have seen bad gas in them since day one.Gas went bad back then,and gas goes bad today,just has different bad symptons.

Re: First start
 

Lenny, You may want to put a quart of regular motor oil down the hole for the distributor to lubricate the bearings on the first start. Check the tire pressure. Otherwise you should be OK.

When you park your car for the winter, run the fuel out of the carburetor and put a battery maintainer on it.

They salt the roads here but not nearly as much as your area does. I wait until we have significant rain before I drive my Model A.

Re: First start
 

You can also just pull the plugs, spin it by hand a few times fairly quickly, reinstall the plugs and fire her up.

Mike

Re: First start
 

Bought a car in the early 80’s that had been sitting since the end of WWII.

I felt the engine was going to have to be rebuilt so we just tried to start it up. New battery and fresh gas, it fired right up.

Long and short of the story. I sold the car a few years ago, never rebuilt engine. It ran great for 40 years.

They take a licking and keep on ticking.

Re: First start
 

I grew up in that part of NNY (right outside Ft Drum/Pine Camp), some mornings I didn't think the cars or tractors would ever start.! Almost all did after a bit of coaxing, but I do agree to wait out the salt, usually a good rain or two in the Spring does the trick. Ah, the good old days.! kb

Re: First start
 

Thanks everyone!