Quote:
Originally Posted by shew01
This post may be helpful to folks that are new to Model A’s.
What are some of the counter intuitive things (and their fixes) you have learned about a Model A? For me, here are some of the things that I didn’t expect and cost me time figuring them out. I’m still fairly new to Model A’s. Please correct me if I get any of the following wrong.
- If you have the distributor cap off and the metal linkage rod disconnected, you can accidentally rotate the upper distributor plate so far that it may pop up (without your noticing it) out of its groove and disconnect itself (electrically) so that you will not get 6 volts on the moving point arm when you test for proper voltage.
- The metal linkage rods that connect the steering wheel spark and throttle levers to the distributor and carburetor have ends on them that go over linkage balls. The linkage rod ends are spring loaded and “stretch” so that you can remove the rods from the balls.
- I still don’t understand how a metal inner tube valve stem is installed. The tubes appear to ship from the manufacturer with rubberized valve stems.
- Depending on the distributor, it has at least one manual place to oil it, a sliding tube at the distributor’s base. As I understand it, an aftermarket enhancement is a “drilled” cam screw that accepts oil from the hole in the center of the screw, which lubricates the upper distributor shaft. This only works if the upper distributor shaft is also drilled through the center of the shaft and drilled with a hole in the side of the lower portion of the shaft.
- The Model A does not have a VIN. Instead, it has an engine number stamped on the driver side of the block. That engine number should be on your car title. That engine number should also match the stamping on the frame, which cannot be seen without at least partially removing the body. (I’ve never seen a stamped body number, but I am told it is on the driver side of the frame, under the cab of the body.)
- If the car has been sitting for years, it’s a good idea to drop the oil pan to clean out the sludge that is like to be present. However, the oil pump can fall out as your remove the pan. Model A parts dealers sell a device that screws into the side of the engine to prevent the oil pump from falling out. If you decide to use your own screw, be aware that the thread is not a standard thread that is likely to be found in your toolbox. The hole is easily stripped with an improper screw.
- The starting sequence is unusual. Be sure to turn on the gas valve (under the dash or in the engine compartment, depending on the year of the car). Be sure to push the spark lever (the left lever on the steering wheel) all the way up during starting.
Pull the throttle lever (the right lever on the steering wheel) about 1/3 of the way down for starting. Turn on the ignition key. Press the starter button on the floor to start the car. (You will probably need to “fiddle” with the GAV to get it started. Pull the GAV to choke the carburetor. Turn the GAV counter clockwise the increase the fuel richness.) Once started, push the throttle lever back up to adjust the idle, and pull the spark lever down 1/3 to 1/2 of the way down, depending on how the car runs. Turn the GAV clockwise to lean out the due mixture, depending on how the car runs.
- While driving, push the spark lever up when the engine is working hard (i.e., when climbing hills). Pull the spark lever down 1/3 to 1/2 when in flat road, depending on how the car runs.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
|
I must be honest with you when I say that many things you have written above are erroneous. For example, the Model-A
DID have a VIN. The acronym VIN is short for the words Vehicle Identification Number, ...and Ford stamped this identifying number on the engine first and the frame second. It was the sole means of identifying that particular vehicle.
Next, your instruction on where to set the spark control lever might be the proper way for your vehicle however the placement that you are suggesting will likely cause most engines to overheat.
While I realize many people do not wish to read books, this is something that I feel every novice who owns a Model-A needs to do. Ford provided every new owner of his car with an Instruction Book. These are available in reproduction today, and EVERY Model-A owner, -both veteran and newbie needs to read that booklet until they understand the way/method Ford designed his automobile to be operated. Second, using the Mechanic's Handbook to guide any owner thru the process is MUCH better than trying to get advice on a forum or social media. Use the forum to ask for guidance AFTER someone has read and re-read the instructions in the Handbook is the best way. I field so many technical questions in my line of work, and it seems that almost every one that asks me a technical question or a how-to question has not taken the time to read the instructions first. This makes the job harder for everyone involved IMHO. Ryan and Ronn are both spot-on with their thoughts too.
.
.