The Ford Barn

Danny Boy · 08-09-2021, 05:30 PM

Hi new here and new to the Model A, I need help.
1929 double A with a model x carburetor that won't start.

Carburetor was rebuilt a few months ago by previous owner and was running.
Mechanic and others messed around with it because they where having trouble starting it. Mechanic removed carburetor and starter and had the starter rebuilt.
Now car won't start and that's when I got involved.

First thing I noticed was the 2 bolts holding the carburetor in place where too short and it had bubbles coming from the gasket.
Fuel valve has a slow leak.
Carburetor is also leaking.
When trying to start the truck it cranks and sounds like it's about to start and then stops after 3 rotations.
After trying to start it the carburetor had gas on it, like its getting fuel sprayed on it. Over the air filter rim and also over top of the bowl area.

So I changed out the bolts a now have a nice seal.
Tried starting it and same outcome.
I opened up the carburetor and it had some black crap in the treads of the(I think it's called a jet) brass needle that unscews from bottom plug hole. I cleaned that out and checked that all the small channels where clean too.

I reinstalled and after a couple of minutes I dident see any fuel leaking.
Tried starting it again and same outcome, nothing besides a few cranks.
Had gas leaking from bottom of carburetor near the air filter, I'm guessing this is normal after trying to start the truck 3 times without any luck, not sure, feel free to tell me I'm wrong about that.

Since the valve is leaking I removed the fuel line for now while I figure this out.
Tomorrow as I'm scratching my head trying to diagnose my problem I'll put the fuel line back in its place and leave it there to check if it's leaking for longer then 2 minutes.

Now my guess it's maybe electrical.
I can hear a spark on the points in the distributor cap when I insert a screwdriver. (only test I've done of the electrical so far)
Sparks plugs are new.

The amp needle on the dash doesn't t wiggle around when I put the key in it. I was told it's supposed to wiggle when the key is set to on. The gauge looks new to me and I do have power.

So tomorrow I'm gonna try again.
Does anyone know where I can find online a wiring diagram? I'm wondering if maybe the mechanic switched or forgot something when he installed the started back on.

Any suggestion on what I should do to diagnose my problem? I really want to get her started this week.

My starting procedure. (maybe I'm forgetting something)
Fuse box under steering has a on/ off switch, switch to on.
Key on
Fuel line valve open
Choke lever 1 turn counterclockwise.
Spark lever up all the way (left hand lever)
Fuel lever at 3 o'clock position (right hand side lever)
Clutch all the way down.
Foot on starter and pull choke lever all the way out for 2 cranks and then close.

08-09-2021, 05:30 PM	#1
Danny Boy Member Join Date: Aug 2021 Posts: 40	1929 double a won't start, help Hi new here and new to the Model A, I need help. 1929 double A with a model x carburetor that won't start. Carburetor was rebuilt a few months ago by previous owner and was running. Mechanic and others messed around with it because they where having trouble starting it. Mechanic removed carburetor and starter and had the starter rebuilt. Now car won't start and that's when I got involved. First thing I noticed was the 2 bolts holding the carburetor in place where too short and it had bubbles coming from the gasket. Fuel valve has a slow leak. Carburetor is also leaking. When trying to start the truck it cranks and sounds like it's about to start and then stops after 3 rotations. After trying to start it the carburetor had gas on it, like its getting fuel sprayed on it. Over the air filter rim and also over top of the bowl area. So I changed out the bolts a now have a nice seal. Tried starting it and same outcome. I opened up the carburetor and it had some black crap in the treads of the(I think it's called a jet) brass needle that unscews from bottom plug hole. I cleaned that out and checked that all the small channels where clean too. I reinstalled and after a couple of minutes I dident see any fuel leaking. Tried starting it again and same outcome, nothing besides a few cranks. Had gas leaking from bottom of carburetor near the air filter, I'm guessing this is normal after trying to start the truck 3 times without any luck, not sure, feel free to tell me I'm wrong about that. Since the valve is leaking I removed the fuel line for now while I figure this out. Tomorrow as I'm scratching my head trying to diagnose my problem I'll put the fuel line back in its place and leave it there to check if it's leaking for longer then 2 minutes. Now my guess it's maybe electrical. I can hear a spark on the points in the distributor cap when I insert a screwdriver. (only test I've done of the electrical so far) Sparks plugs are new. The amp needle on the dash doesn't t wiggle around when I put the key in it. I was told it's supposed to wiggle when the key is set to on. The gauge looks new to me and I do have power. So tomorrow I'm gonna try again. Does anyone know where I can find online a wiring diagram? I'm wondering if maybe the mechanic switched or forgot something when he installed the started back on. Any suggestion on what I should do to diagnose my problem? I really want to get her started this week. My starting procedure. (maybe I'm forgetting something) Fuse box under steering has a on/ off switch, switch to on. Key on Fuel line valve open Choke lever 1 turn counterclockwise. Spark lever up all the way (left hand lever) Fuel lever at 3 o'clock position (right hand side lever) Clutch all the way down. Foot on starter and pull choke lever all the way out for 2 cranks and then close.