The Ford Barn - View Single Post - A Newbie Question: My A starts right up but dies after a few seconds.... ideas?

Jim/GA · 08-30-2010, 01:40 AM

It really sounds like fuel.

See if opening the mixture knob on the dash (going down to the carb) helps any. It is common to have that knob open up to 1 full turn to start and then close to 1/2 open after a minute. Close to 1/4 open after several minutes.

See if you can keep it running by partially choking it a bit once it starts.

Check the ignition timing.

Make sure your fuel cap is vented. Radiator caps are not and they look alike.

See what the fuel level is in the carb bowl by connecting a small sight glass to the bottom plug under the main jet. It should be 5/8 inch, as I recall (but it has been a long time).

Hope this helps. Ther are others that are much more experienced with these cars than me that can answer.

Jim

08-30-2010, 01:40 AM	#2
Jim/GA Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Young Harris, GA Posts: 1,821	Re: A Newbie Question: My A starts right up but dies after a few seconds.... ideas? It really sounds like fuel. See if opening the mixture knob on the dash (going down to the carb) helps any. It is common to have that knob open up to 1 full turn to start and then close to 1/2 open after a minute. Close to 1/4 open after several minutes. See if you can keep it running by partially choking it a bit once it starts. Check the ignition timing. Make sure your fuel cap is vented. Radiator caps are not and they look alike. See what the fuel level is in the carb bowl by connecting a small sight glass to the bottom plug under the main jet. It should be 5/8 inch, as I recall (but it has been a long time). Hope this helps. Ther are others that are much more experienced with these cars than me that can answer. Jim __________________ Jim Cannon Former MAFCA Technical Director "Have a Model A day!"