The Ford Barn

RonC · 03-16-2011, 09:30 AM

You should be adjusting your spark lever according to engine load and speed. Advance for high speed, retard for loading such as climbing hills or at idle speeds. If your car is properly timed there is a noticeable difference.

The GAV valve is adjusted according to engine temperature and engine speed.

Operation of the spark and GAV is detailed in the owners manual

Special Coupe Frank · 03-16-2011, 11:29 AM

"Standard" instruction on the GAV is to close it fully, then open 1/2 to 1 full turn for starting from dead-cold, then to close it to 1/4 turn from closed once the engine is warm.

With my unrestored 84,000 engine, in cold weather I find I have to have the GAV open about 2 turns for the first couple miles, then can close it down to about 1/2 turn open.

In the summer, I can run it 1/4 turn open.

SC Frank

Milton · 03-16-2011, 11:58 AM

"With out a thermostat, you would get more heat out of a chicken."

Herm,
I just lost my coffee all over my monitor just by imagining your statement.

Jordan · 03-16-2011, 01:25 PM

I don't run a thermostat, and my car runs fine. Been thinking of putting one in there anyways to help keep it at 160* in the winter. My A runs better at 160* than it does at 180* even though most people say theirs run better at 180*. I have a centrifugally advanced distributor and a modern carb, so i dont have the ability to adjust the GAV or spark. But that's ok with me considering i like how these two modifications make the car run better in MY opinion. So i'm not going to change them to make the engine warm up faster. For now, i just stick the cardboard in front of the radiator.

03-16-2011, 09:30 AM	#61
RonC Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 1,868	Re: Thermostat You should be adjusting your spark lever according to engine load and speed. Advance for high speed, retard for loading such as climbing hills or at idle speeds. If your car is properly timed there is a noticeable difference. The GAV valve is adjusted according to engine temperature and engine speed. Operation of the spark and GAV is detailed in the owners manual

03-16-2011, 11:29 AM	#62
Special Coupe Frank Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Northeast Penna Posts: 2,108	Re: Thermostat "Standard" instruction on the GAV is to close it fully, then open 1/2 to 1 full turn for starting from dead-cold, then to close it to 1/4 turn from closed once the engine is warm. With my unrestored 84,000 engine, in cold weather I find I have to have the GAV open about 2 turns for the first couple miles, then can close it down to about 1/2 turn open. In the summer, I can run it 1/4 turn open. SC Frank

03-16-2011, 11:58 AM	#63
Milton Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 837	Re: Thermostat "With out a thermostat, you would get more heat out of a chicken." Herm, I just lost my coffee all over my monitor just by imagining your statement.

03-16-2011, 01:25 PM	#64
Jordan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ft. Worth Posts: 1,006	Re: Thermostat I don't run a thermostat, and my car runs fine. Been thinking of putting one in there anyways to help keep it at 160* in the winter. My A runs better at 160* than it does at 180* even though most people say theirs run better at 180*. I have a centrifugally advanced distributor and a modern carb, so i dont have the ability to adjust the GAV or spark. But that's ok with me considering i like how these two modifications make the car run better in MY opinion. So i'm not going to change them to make the engine warm up faster. For now, i just stick the cardboard in front of the radiator.