The Ford Barn

katy · 05-10-2022, 10:50 AM

Not for a long time.

d. · 05-10-2022, 05:35 PM

I hand cranked my Model A roadster for almost 2 years in the 60's when the starter failed.
I kept the plugs clean and the spark advance lever set to the top and never had any trouble.
The adults would stare and the children would point and laugh, but it got me going every time.
This was my only car while finishing high school and then community collage, yes I still have it.

Ed in Maine · 05-12-2022, 01:49 PM

With regard to turning on the key and the car starts without the starter, in the Model T era this was called a "free start." I actually had this happen to me on my 1914 T after a long winter storage. I did choke the car first with the key off but after three cranks with full choke I was amazed when I turned on the ignition and away it went.

For those who use the gravity method, I would strenuously recommend you do not do this. It is very possible to shear a rear axel keyway. This not only destroys the keyway but also damages the taper on the axel shaft and rear drum. This is a very bad practice. Ed

05-10-2022, 10:50 AM	#21
katy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Red Deer, Alberta Posts: 5,046	Re: has anyone ever cranked a car with a weak battery Not for a long time. __________________ If you don't hear a rumor by 10 AM, start one!. Got my education out behind the barn!

05-10-2022, 05:35 PM	#22
d. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 510	Re: has anyone ever cranked a car with a weak battery I hand cranked my Model A roadster for almost 2 years in the 60's when the starter failed. I kept the plugs clean and the spark advance lever set to the top and never had any trouble. The adults would stare and the children would point and laugh, but it got me going every time. This was my only car while finishing high school and then community collage, yes I still have it.

05-12-2022, 01:49 PM	#23
Ed in Maine Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cty., ME or Flagler Cty., FL Posts: 1,106	Re: has anyone ever cranked a car with a weak battery With regard to turning on the key and the car starts without the starter, in the Model T era this was called a "free start." I actually had this happen to me on my 1914 T after a long winter storage. I did choke the car first with the key off but after three cranks with full choke I was amazed when I turned on the ignition and away it went. For those who use the gravity method, I would strenuously recommend you do not do this. It is very possible to shear a rear axel keyway. This not only destroys the keyway but also damages the taper on the axel shaft and rear drum. This is a very bad practice. Ed