Just another question about that knob inside the car ???

[G&N Farms]

Ok, I'm new to Model A's and have no-one to help me.

On the choke knob. I watched a YouTube video and they said to turn it all the way to the right. ( clock wish ) this was to start it. Is this rich? and How do I know when it's just right after starting ? I'm in the KC area if anyone would like to help me.

For you Mo people, there is a nice car show in Chillicothe next weekend (18th?) I'm trying to go to.

[jrelliott]

That knob adjusts the air/fuel mixture of the run circuit in the carburetor. What I have been told turn the adjustment knob all the way in then back off 1 an 1/4 turn. Pull the choke rod to start the engine, then after it warms up and is running down the road with the timing set about 2/3's down can adjust the fuel air mixture for good running. Once you have it set, there is no need to adjust it every time you start the engine. May have to tweek it running a little now and then, but usually not required to keep adjusting. Others may chime in, but that is what works for me.

[700rpm]

Turning it all the way clockwise closes the valve and leans it out. Open it about 1/2 turn ccw to start, then as it warms up close it down to about a 1/4 turn open. Engines and carburetors vary, and the turns open for starting and driving will be determined by you as you get used to the car. Don't close it tightly; that can damage the seat or the pointed end of the rod.

[WestCoast]

as 700 said every car is different, I opened mine 1 1/2 turns the first time I started my car, I then pulled out the rod(choke rod) let the engine fire then pushed it in, you may have to pull the rod out 1/4 to 1/2 way till the engine warms up, that is some thing you are going to have to experiment till you find out what you engine likes, after running down the road with a warm engine you can turn the rod in till your engine runs smooth, just don't get the mixture to lean

[Patrick L.]

Do you know what carburetor you have ? A Zenith tends to like the GAV [ that rod] about 1/4 out [ left from lightly seated] for normal operation. When starting in cool weather it should opened an extra 1/2 turn. A Tillotson tends to prefer 1/2 to 1 full turn out for normal driving and an additional 1/2 turn out for starting cold.

The rod [ GAV] is used for 2 functions. One is high speed fuel adjustment as described. Second is its the choke, pull it out. And it doesn't take much, only a couple engine revolutions and push it back in.

The right hand steering wheel lever is a hand throttle. Up is normal. Its common to pull it down just a bit for cold starts.

Do you know about the spark advance lever ? Left hand steering wheel lever ? Its very important when starting. Up for starting. As soon as the engine starts pull it about 1/2 to 2/3 down for normal operation.

[bambooboy]

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Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: At home (KC)
Posts: 16


Just another question about that knob inside the car ???
(Ok, I'm new to Model A's and have no-one to help me).check members list,there are hundreds here to help you. tom

[Mike V. Florida]

If anyone else is new and reading this I strongly suggest you buy a copy of the owners manual for your year car. I know it goes against "I don't need a manual" thing us guys swear by but do yourself a favor and get a copy!

Until yours comes in for your specific year here is an online one;

http://www.motormayhem.net/model-a-f...owners-manual/

[G&N Farms]

Thanks tom, I haven't joined the local A club yet and my car friends think it needs a V8. I joined in 2011 the first time I thought I was getting this truck, I just got it 2 months ago.

Now , back to the original question. I've had no problems starting it but it would run rough. I pulled the plugs and they were fowled. But the funny part of that is ,today I was cleaning the engine compartment and hit the wiper tube at the firewall. It popped right out. Examining it, I found the tube barely in and the treaded part that goes into the manifold, was stripped.

So I repaired that and took the info from here and after a little adjusting, it finally started to run better. I turned it in all the way then turned it out 1/2 turns at first. I don't know where it's at now but it runs a lot smoother.

Now to fix the water pump leaking and I'm off.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by G&N Farms

... my car friends think it needs a V8.

Resist your so called "car friends". We have found here that those that resist the temptation to hot rod their car and drive it a bit, fall in love with them.

[G&N Farms]

Thanks Mike. I haven't had a lot of time for her but spent all day, today, shining, working on and even just sitting looking at the lines. Once I was able to get in and out, I've spent a little time just getting to know the old gal. I'm waiting for confirmation on the YOM tag and time to start enjoying. I have a 57 Chevy for a hot-rod.

There was a rally an hour from here a few weeks ago and I was unable to go, maybe next year.

[Bader]

Everybody at one point or another,should own a stock model a. They are so simple to work on,drive and enjoy,that we should all have one in our lifetime. That being said an early v/8 is also very fun!

[WestCoast]

yes Bader , but only in an original v/8 car

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by WestCoast

yes Bader , but only in an original v/8 car

Wasn't the original v8 a 350?

[Bob/Kansas City]

Here are some basics on the A's that might help....
http://modelabasics.com/Starting%20&%20Driving.htm

[burner31]

Re: Just another question about that knob inside the car ???

That's no knob...that's my head.

[Brendan]

Originally Posted by CarlG

Wasn't the original v8 a 350?

No that is a Garbage Truck motor!

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Ford had 2 teams, competing for an OHV engine design to replace their Flathead V-8, in 1954.
The Y-Block was chosen, as it looked STURDIER! The other design was "shelved" as complete engines, in a warehouse.
Later "discovered" & became THE SMALL BLOCK CHEV.!!
"SUPPOSEDLY" this is TRUE. I once read a lengthy article about this, with "documentation", etc.-------- Any of you know anything about this?
Bill W.

[1955cj5]

Now just a slight detour back on course, and then take this thread where you will...

Would you expect a Tillotson equipped sorta tired A engine to continue running with the GCV fully closed?

Mine seems to need about a 1/2 turn open to be happy.....but when you close it it will quit...

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Originally Posted by 1955cj5

Now just a slight detour back on course, and then take this thread where you will...

Would you expect a Tillotson equipped sorta tired A engine to continue running with the GCV fully closed?

Mine seems to need about a 1/2 turn open to be happy.....but when you close it it will quit...

You're on the right track, CJ,
Just like us, it takes different things to make us "happy" Learn to listen & feel your cars' pulse & it will tell us the "secret of its' happiness"---Each one is a little different, just like us
I've owned 3 Rat Terriers, all had the same characteristics, BUT, their personalities were all DIFFERENT!!!
Bill W.

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

You're on the right track, CJ,
Just like us, it takes different things to make us "happy" Learn to listen & feel your cars' pulse & it will tell us the "secret of its' happiness"---Each one is a little different, just like us
I've owned 3 Rat Terriers, all had the same characteristics, BUT, their personalities were all DIFFERENT!!!
Bill W.

And the this last one even talks / types

[G&N Farms]

Good news, I drove it today for about 3 miles. Turned all the way in and then adjusted out until it rand good. What a blast it was. This was the most this P/U has gone in over 20 years. Brakes were waaay out of adjustment. ( no brakes almost) After getting it running, I was surprised at how quick it does start.

At 30 mph, I think the little 4 cylinder will do just fine. Someday it will be road worthy but for now I'm happy with 35mph..

[1955cj5]

Great! They are fun once you get them going and running well.

Now we need to see a picture!