The Ford Barn

RRW · 10-12-2024, 01:31 PM

I put my early 30 Model A in storage the end of May, removed battery.
It was running fine at that time.

Today I reinstalled the battery and it started on first 'try'.
However, it immediately started to squeal and did my next 2 starts, also.
I turned it off immediately each time.
The fan blades are almost immovable by hand and I noticed on a quick 4th start they did not rotate.
It DOES start !!!
Water pump packing nut is tight.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

1crosscut · 10-12-2024, 01:42 PM

Loosen the fan belt and turn the generator and water pump by hand to see which one isn’t turning.

nkaminar · 10-12-2024, 01:59 PM

As crosscut is saying, the fan belt is squealing. It does that when it is not happy, trying to turn something that is stuck.

RRW · 10-12-2024, 02:49 PM

Problem solved.
Installed a rebuilt water pump last year.
4 squirts of grease in the front grease fitting and 1 squirt in the rear fitting
and no more squealing.
Thanks to Las Vegas Model A club member.
and thanks to the other replies.

700rpm · 10-12-2024, 07:25 PM

There is also belt dressing in spray cans available at auto parts stores. I use it frequently as necessary. Belt sizes are not always correct for the A and can cause squeeks also.

eagle · 10-13-2024, 08:40 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Remember, especially if you have a generator, the belt should not be "modern vehicle" tight. An alternator does require somewhat tighter belt.

10-12-2024, 01:31 PM	#1
RRW Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Bullhead City, AZ Posts: 64	Squealing upon starting.... I put my early 30 Model A in storage the end of May, removed battery. It was running fine at that time. Today I reinstalled the battery and it started on first 'try'. However, it immediately started to squeal and did my next 2 starts, also. I turned it off immediately each time. The fan blades are almost immovable by hand and I noticed on a quick 4th start they did not rotate. It DOES start !!! Water pump packing nut is tight. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

10-12-2024, 01:42 PM	#2
1crosscut Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 2,011	Re: Squealing upon starting.... Loosen the fan belt and turn the generator and water pump by hand to see which one isn’t turning. __________________ Dave / Lincoln Nebraska

10-12-2024, 01:59 PM	#3
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 5,863	Re: Squealing upon starting.... As crosscut is saying, the fan belt is squealing. It does that when it is not happy, trying to turn something that is stuck. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

10-12-2024, 02:49 PM	#4
RRW Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Bullhead City, AZ Posts: 64	Re: Squealing upon starting.... Problem solved. Installed a rebuilt water pump last year. 4 squirts of grease in the front grease fitting and 1 squirt in the rear fitting and no more squealing. Thanks to Las Vegas Model A club member. and thanks to the other replies.

10-12-2024, 07:25 PM	#5
700rpm Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 6,039	Re: Squealing upon starting.... There is also belt dressing in spray cans available at auto parts stores. I use it frequently as necessary. Belt sizes are not always correct for the A and can cause squeeks also. __________________ Ray Horton, Portland, OR As you go through life, keep your eye on the donut, not the hole.

10-13-2024, 08:40 AM	#6
eagle Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Eagle Bend, MN Posts: 2,081	Re: Squealing upon starting.... Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Remember, especially if you have a generator, the belt should not be "modern vehicle" tight. An alternator does require somewhat tighter belt. __________________ "There are some that can destroy an anvil with a teaspoon and shouldn't be allowed to touch anything resembling a tool."