Need help

[Escort01]

I bought this 30 Tudor about 3 weeks ago. It ran strong when I test drove it and for several days after. Now it seems that it has no power. I tried resetting the timing but nothing changed. Any ideas what to check next. I'm very new at this so any help is welcomed. Thanx

[Mitch//pa]

One issue I see a lot is a contaminated fuel tank, trash getting into the carb. Have seen sellers clean everything out so she runs good to get your $$$ in pocket.. That's just a side armed guess...
Maybe if you can post your location on your avatar someone on here is nearby to help you out.....
A proper diagnosis is necessary of igniton, fuel, electrical and mechanical systems, to avoid shot gunning of replacing unneeded parts....

[H. L. Chauvin]

Excellent advice in reply no. 2.

If nobody close by, maybe a few more specific details would be helpful ....

Has no power ???????

(a) Backfire?; (b) Only goes 10 mph?; (c) Moving spark up & down has no effect? (d) Engine kills or misses occasionally? (e) Rust & debris or no rust & debris in sediment bowl? (f) Hard or easy starting?

With a vehicle 80+ years old ...... think of a similar 80+ year old guy going to the doctor and only tell the doctor that ....... "he has no power" ...... What kind of pills should be prescribed?

[Mike V. Florida]

Here is a start; Troubleshooting the Model A

[mot]

i would check the points,the rubbing block may have worn and the points are almost closed

[H. L. Chauvin]

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Always difficult to diagnose any Model A we cannot "see".

So often a new Model A owner has no idea if this vintage Model A was left unattended "anytime" during some former past period of time; however, if so, several things can occur when a Model A is left unattended during the past 80+ years.

Others may have lots to suggestions and experiences to add, but from past Model A experiences, a very few damaging things are:

1. The shiny camshaft acquires damaging rust pits on the bottom side when sitting unlubricated, and unattended, and not rotating for years.

2. Unlubricated rings and cylinders standing still can rust in one or more cylinders where they make contact; hence, force is later required to move the piston(s); especially, if the head gasket has a very tiny unnoticeable leak.

3. Points develop oxidation which hampers electrical contact.

4. Valves get stuck with varnish between valve stems and valve guides causing backfire and improper valve timing.

5. Rust forms in gas tanks. and later impedes fuel flow to the combustion chamber which can cause intermittent fuel flow problems.

6. Rodents feast on electrical wires causing shorts or partially disconnected wires reducing electrical power.

7. Rodents can have fun make nests in any open engine connected orifices.

8. Oxidation can occur at several electrical connections thus reducing electrical flow and causing nagging intermittent electrical problems.

9. Unsupervised young kids playing with unattended Model A's can add sand, water, and unknown items to gas tanks and oil pans, plus other unimaginable things that unsupervised kids do to have fun.

10. Just because a Model A runs well when you hand the seller a check does not mean that this vehicle was properly maintained for the past entire 80+ years.

Just hope this helps, when buying a Model A, for one to consider that "all" of the Model A's past history may be unknown.

[Sunnybrook Farm]

I agree with mot, check the point gap first, the fiber wears down on them and should have lube on the cam. Swap out the condenser next. Kind of hard to diagnose without hearing and feeling how it runs.

[SeaSlugs]

Or if you have mice issues they can clog up a muffler and have low power.

[Escort01]

Thanx guys for the info. I don't know much about avatar but if there is anyone in the Apollo Beach Fl. area that could help a rookie they can contact me at [email protected]

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by Escort01

... I don't know much about avatar...

I think he was referring to your profile info.

In the black bar toward the top of this page, click on "User CP"
Then on the left side of the page under Your Profile, click on "Edit Your Details"
Scroll down to where it says "Additional Information" There is a place to put your location. Enter your location there.

Then your location will show on the page where you post messages.

[burner31]

Don't know if applies to you but, if you have an air cleaner on it, take it off and see what happens.

[Art Newland]

I cleaned out my fuel system a while back and made a short video of the fuel flow when I was done. I didn't know what the flow should look like before the flush out, thought this might help others figure out if you are getting enough gas or not.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAUI8MWo_Io

[H. L. Chauvin]

All good suggestions above.

Let us all hope it is something simple.

Reply #11 is a possibility as well as it could be something as simple as a carburetor malfunctioning and allowing your engine to run too rich with too much fuel and not enough air for the atomized fuel mixture entering the combustion chamber through the intake manifold.

If so, over a short period of time, one could obtain excess carbon on the spark plugs, thus reducing the ignition of fuel in the combustion chamber.

Look at your (4) spark plugs and report back.

Also, try calling the MAFCA in California to check if there may be any Model A Clubs near you that may be able to take a look to "see" what you have.