Recommended shut off procedure

[Vern]

There seems to be some differences of opinion about the best way to shut down an A after driving.
Some say just turn off the ignition, turn off the fuel and put the spark lever all the way up.
Others suggest turning off the fuel and letting the gas run out, then turning off the ignition and putting the spark lever up.
Did Ford have a recommendation?

[J Franklin]

If so it should be explained in your owners manual. I shut gas then turn off ignition while watching the ammeter to make sure the points open.

[nkaminar]

If you are not going to drive the car for a while, turn off the gasoline and let the carburetor run dry. That is assuming that your valve does not leak.

If you are just stopping at the market or at the gas station, just turn off the ignition.

[Bob Bidonde]

For overnight parking, I always run the carburetor dry, turn off the ignition and disconnect the battery using a switch for that purpose. When parking overnight on a tour, I also remove the hi-voltage wire or the rotor and keep them in my personal possession.

[nkaminar]

For the ultimate in security, remove the spark plugs and hammer the electrodes shut then replace them. The whole ignition system will be rebuilt before the faulty spark plugs are found.

[Fullraceflathead]

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Now there's an idea it's probably best to hammer on a new cheap set of plugs too instead of the expensive original champions!!!

[BButturff]

Nice!

Originally Posted by nkaminar

For the ultimate in security, remove the spark plugs and hammer the electrodes shut then replace them. The whole ignition system will be rebuilt before the faulty spark plugs are found.

[katy]

Originally Posted by nkaminar

If you are not going to drive the car for a while, turn off the gasoline and let the carburetor run dry. That is assuming that your valve does not leak.

If you are just stopping at the market or at the gas station, just turn off the ignition.

Ditto

I don't worry about the A being stolen, that's one of the things the insurance is for.

[katy]

Originally Posted by nkaminar

For the ultimate in security, remove the spark plugs and hammer the electrodes shut then replace them. The whole ignition system will be rebuilt before the faulty spark plugs are found.

I like that, it would be a good test at a club tech session. Maybe just 2 or 3 plugs.

[Canton_Model_A's]

What I do with mine is when I put it away, I turn off the fuel at the tank and let the carb run dry. Haven't had an issue and with the crap gas at the pump, keeps the carb from building up junk

[Big hammer]

A probationary mechanic ( he was not much of a mechanic) at work preformed a PM and afterwards the engine wouldn’t start ! After several other mechanics looked at why it wouldn’t start someone removed the new spark plugs and found the ground straps missing, the guy said those were shipping protectors LOL, he was shown the front door.

[Y-Blockhead]

When parking, I always run the carburetor dry, turn off the ignition and turn off the disconnect switch. When parking overnight on a tour, I also remove the fuse on the ignition wire in my fuse box hidden under the gas tank.

[tcom]

]For the ultimate in security, remove the spark plugs and hammer the electrodes shut then replace them. The whole ignition system will be rebuilt before the faulty spark plugs are found.[/QUOTE]

.............and don't forget to remove the ignition key and the leads to the switch.

[nkaminar]

Big Hammer, Those must have been aircraft spark plugs. I have never heard of a ground strap on an automotive spark plug.

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by nkaminar

Big Hammer, Those must have been aircraft spark plugs. I have never heard of a ground strap on an automotive spark plug.

[nkaminar]

Oh. Never heard that called a ground strap. I have always referred to it as the ground electrode. The old dog learned a new trick.

[Keith True]

One.turn key off.Two.turn gas off.Three.get out and close door behind you.Four.Walk off.Reverse steps to drive again.That procedure has worked for me since I first drove an A in 1973.I've had a couple dozen others,but still driving that first one.

[Fullraceflathead]

Good luck finding those replacement shipping protectors if you need them!!!

[Bob Bidonde]

Y-Blockhead, you have a neat fuse block. I am going to do the same in both of my A's. What devices are the fuses protecting?

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by Bob Bidonde

Y-Blockhead, you have a neat fuse block. I am going to do the same in both of my A's. What devices are the fuses protecting?

Thanks Bob. In the fuse box I have fuses on Turn Signals, Fog Lights, Sport Light/Wipers, Ignition, and GPS/Phone Charger (Cigarette Outlet). I also have a 30amp Circuit Breaker on main wire (at starter) and 20amp circuit breaker on power to headlight switch. Haven't burned the Ol' Girl down... yet!