The Ford Barn

Alan O'Connell · 04-30-2016, 06:18 PM

What is the best way to start a 30's Ford? Pump the gas pedal a few times or not pump the gas pedal at all, pull the choke out half way or all the way or somewhere in between?

Mart · 04-30-2016, 06:27 PM

I don't have the choke hooked up, so a couple of pumps of gas and then crank. I have an electric pump to prime the carb so when I give those first pumps I know it is giving a squirt of gas to the engine. I then give it a few blips until it can settle at an idle.

petehoovie · 04-30-2016, 06:53 PM

If the engine is cold and has been sitting for awhile, what I usually do is pull the choke all the way out and the throttle out about 1/2 inch. Engage the starter and when it starts slowly push the choke in until the engine runs smoothly. If it's taking awhile for the engine to catch, pumping the gas pedal will help. After it runs a few minutes you can push both the choke and throttle knobs home. All of this if you have a mechanical fuel pump....If the engine is warm, this procedure is usually not necessary....

34fordy · 04-30-2016, 08:05 PM

Usually every car has its "sweet" start procedure--My 34 with 6volts and an Uncle Max rebuilt carb gets a couple little blips on the accelerator, about 1/2 or 3/4 choke and it become the quickest starting engine I have owned--I can not get my foot off the starter button quick enough--I have owned quite a few but no flathead Ford V8 since the first car in 1963--In the modern day with fuel injection they all seem to use the same procedure--Just turn the key--Good for my wife but not that much fun--

A bones · 04-30-2016, 09:37 PM

Really, it all comes down to conditions. IE: Ignition, Gas Supply, Crank speed, (batt supply, connections, wire/cable/switch health) Plug condition, cylinder pressure (valve and ring health) ambient temperature, and on.

Make notes, and try to optimize the things that you can. One trick I have always relied on is, nearing condition of flood, Open choke -No Choke- close throttle tightly, spin it over a few times. The turbulence created by the pistons sucking what they can't get will create a drying effect on the plugs. Try it, and try it again, you'll be surprised. I taught myself this trick in sixties and seventies, working AAA, rescuing early risers who felt Tune-ups were for sissies.

Also works on weed whackers and yard tractors!!

My mentor, when I learned Tractor trailer, used to tell me "know your equipment"

Fugal 41 · 05-08-2016, 09:12 AM

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Average Model A. Turn on gas valve under tank [handle down]. Key in on position, timing lever up, open choke one turn, pull choke lever out and engage foot starter. On starting push choke in, pull down timing lever to sweet spot { runs smooth] slowly turn choke to closed position. Enjoy

Bassman/NZ · 05-08-2016, 05:39 PM

My flattie will not start if I choke it. One blip on the gas pedal is good, two is too much.

04-30-2016, 06:18 PM	#1
Alan O'Connell Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Peabody, MA Posts: 486	Starting a 30's Ford What is the best way to start a 30's Ford? Pump the gas pedal a few times or not pump the gas pedal at all, pull the choke out half way or all the way or somewhere in between?

04-30-2016, 06:27 PM	#2
Mart Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Solihull, England. Posts: 9,088	Re: Starting a 30's Ford I don't have the choke hooked up, so a couple of pumps of gas and then crank. I have an electric pump to prime the carb so when I give those first pumps I know it is giving a squirt of gas to the engine. I then give it a few blips until it can settle at an idle.

04-30-2016, 06:53 PM	#3
petehoovie Senior Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 10,156	Re: Starting a 30's Ford If the engine is cold and has been sitting for awhile, what I usually do is pull the choke all the way out and the throttle out about 1/2 inch. Engage the starter and when it starts slowly push the choke in until the engine runs smoothly. If it's taking awhile for the engine to catch, pumping the gas pedal will help. After it runs a few minutes you can push both the choke and throttle knobs home. All of this if you have a mechanical fuel pump....If the engine is warm, this procedure is usually not necessary.... Last edited by petehoovie; 04-30-2016 at 07:02 PM.

04-30-2016, 08:05 PM	#4
34fordy Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Fort dodge, Iowa Posts: 1,229	Re: Starting a 30's Ford Usually every car has its "sweet" start procedure--My 34 with 6volts and an Uncle Max rebuilt carb gets a couple little blips on the accelerator, about 1/2 or 3/4 choke and it become the quickest starting engine I have owned--I can not get my foot off the starter button quick enough--I have owned quite a few but no flathead Ford V8 since the first car in 1963--In the modern day with fuel injection they all seem to use the same procedure--Just turn the key--Good for my wife but not that much fun--

04-30-2016, 09:37 PM	#5
A bones Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: CLAYTON DE Posts: 1,350	Re: Starting a 30's Ford Really, it all comes down to conditions. IE: Ignition, Gas Supply, Crank speed, (batt supply, connections, wire/cable/switch health) Plug condition, cylinder pressure (valve and ring health) ambient temperature, and on. Make notes, and try to optimize the things that you can. One trick I have always relied on is, nearing condition of flood, Open choke -No Choke- close throttle tightly, spin it over a few times. The turbulence created by the pistons sucking what they can't get will create a drying effect on the plugs. Try it, and try it again, you'll be surprised. I taught myself this trick in sixties and seventies, working AAA, rescuing early risers who felt Tune-ups were for sissies. Also works on weed whackers and yard tractors!! My mentor, when I learned Tractor trailer, used to tell me "know your equipment" __________________ Enjoy yer day. Tom Hate can't fix what it started. Last edited by A bones; 04-30-2016 at 09:42 PM. Reason: mo info

05-08-2016, 09:12 AM	#6
Fugal 41 Junior Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: Warner Robins, Ga. Posts: 15	Re: Starting a 30's Ford Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Average Model A. Turn on gas valve under tank [handle down]. Key in on position, timing lever up, open choke one turn, pull choke lever out and engage foot starter. On starting push choke in, pull down timing lever to sweet spot { runs smooth] slowly turn choke to closed position. Enjoy

05-08-2016, 05:39 PM	#7
Bassman/NZ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Napier, New Zealand Posts: 2,001	Re: Starting a 30's Ford My flattie will not start if I choke it. One blip on the gas pedal is good, two is too much.