Converting to crank only

[Drewfinn]

Hey Folks! Just an idea passing through my head...is it possible to convert my old Model A to crank start only? As in removing the starter motor altogether?

[stevests]

Removing the starter motor has no bearing on hand cranking your car.

[Drewfinn]

Thanks!

[J Franklin]

Just remove the battery, now it is hand crank only unless you have strong friends or live on a hill.

OOPS, I see I forgot ignition.

[CSPIDY]

Originally Posted by J Franklin

Just remove the battery, now it is hand crank only unless you have strong friends or live on a hill.

It won’t start unless you have a magneto

[alexiskai]

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Originally Posted by CSPIDY

It won’t start unless you have a magneto

I wonder how small a battery you could run it on if you didn’t need 150A for the starter and used all LEDs. I bet one of those 2 lb batteries that cost $10 at Walmart would work.

[chrs1961815]

It is easy to do. Just remove the starter, make a block off plate, and redo some of the wiring from the battery and viola if that's what you want.

[rotorwrench]

Trade it for a good pre-WWI Model T. They are hand crank only as long as the magneto is still working.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

I did it on a speedster that I used to race with AARA in an effort to get the weight down (-see weight picture below). I used a motorcycle battery to power the ignition, and just removed the heavy starter, bulky cables and battery carrier, and the charging system to save weight. As I recall, it would run for quite awhile without the battery needing to be recharged. That engine had over 8:1 compression (I used a G28T propane fuel head) and I just hand cranked it every time.

FWIW, instead of being push started, a few guys put starters on their Model-A/B powered Big Cars (-predecessor to Sprint Cars) and used small lawn garden tractor batteries. As long as the engine would fire off in 3-4 revolutions during cranking, that battery would go all day w/o needing to be recharged.


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[Drewfinn]

The reason I ask is that I haven't enough $ for a lightened flywheel set up, but, what I do have is a V8 flywheel which matches up bolt pattern wise, crank and clutch. The 4 banger starter won't work with the flywheel, but I thought that maybe if I eliminated the start, I'd be able to utilize it for my dirt racer. I'd still be using my battery.

[Drewfinn]

IMG_20220614_073729100.jpgThis is the flywheel on the left, compred to stock.

[WHN]

Originally Posted by J Franklin

Just remove the battery, now it is hand crank only unless you have strong friends or live on a hill.

You need the battery for the car to run even if you crank it. Completes the electrical circuit.

Enjoy.

[GPierce]

He said “ I'd still be using my battery.”

[Synchro909]

If you have only a small battery and you find yourself sometime having to drive at night, you won't get far. Even brake lights will shorten your range.
If it is weight you are trying to reduce, I think a lithium battery would be lighter and give more storage.

[ModelA29]

Originally Posted by WHN

You need the battery for the car to run even if you crank it. Completes the electrical circuit.

Enjoy.

Unless you also switch to a magneto - https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...gneto.1076890/


You could probably adapt a mag from a 4 cylinder tractor or aircraft engine.

[rotorwrench]

The old Wico mags are likely still around. A person can modify the model A flywheel to use the V8 clutch. Hand cranking with a mag could be treacherous unless there is an impulse coupling to retard the spark.

[john in illinois]

According to the Ford parts manual 28-48 use same Bendix. You might be able to use your starter.


John