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07-08-2023, 09:31 AM | #1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Washington Cty., ME or Flagler Cty., FL
Posts: 1,106
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Starting My 1914 Model T
It amazes me the things I learn about my Model T. I have been having a terrible time starting my Model T especially after it is at operating temperature. Lately, I have gotten too tired to continue cranking it. I recently watched a guy start his Model T by jacking up the rear wheels. I knew about this but I assumed it was only necessary during cold weather. I decided to try it and I am absolutely surprised how great it works. I jacked up both wheels to be safe, set the transmission in neutral and with the key in OFF I choked the engine 3 times. I did notice that it was slightly easier to crank. I then turned on the ignition and was absolutely amazed. I got a "free start" and the car continued to run. The next day my car started the same way. After it has been running for a couple of minutes (which in the past has been a problem), I continue to get "free starts" with the car jacked up.
Why is the car so much easier to start and run with the wheels jacked up? |
07-08-2023, 05:11 PM | #2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: now Kuna, Idaho
Posts: 3,779
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Re: Starting My 1914 Model T
Even with the high clutch released there is oil in the small spaces between the plates. This causes drag-the oil is trying to rotate the clutch assembly (thus trying to turn the rear wheels). Jacking up the rear axle allows the wheels to turn, thus eliminating this drag.
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07-08-2023, 05:17 PM | #3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: CA
Posts: 206
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Re: Starting My 1914 Model T
that is partly true but the main reason for jacking it up is for the additional flywheel effect etc. you need only jack up one wheel
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07-08-2023, 11:33 PM | #4 |
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Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Sonoma, CA.
Posts: 1,498
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Re: Starting My 1914 Model T
There should hardly be any drag when its at operating temperature. Can you feel drag of the clutches when its warm or is it just hard to start?
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07-09-2023, 10:46 AM | #5 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: on the Littlefield
Posts: 6,159
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Re: Starting My 1914 Model T
If the oil is too thick there will be more drag from the clutch, when I got my 17 it cranked real stiff, I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to crank start it, also the magneto only made 3 volts, the oil was very thick.
With a oil can I squirted 5w30 into the clutch and onto the pistons, that loosened it up, even at 30 degrees. A on the car magnet recharge with heavy jumper cables, 3 hot diesel car batteries (36 volts) and it resulted with 9 volts hand cranking.—- now starts easily on magneto and even if I forget the hand brake it won’t chase me |
07-10-2023, 05:54 PM | #6 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: now Kuna, Idaho
Posts: 3,779
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Re: Starting My 1914 Model T
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07-10-2023, 08:19 PM | #7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: CA
Posts: 206
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Re: Starting My 1914 Model T
absolutely- been doing it that way for 65 years. as long as it's blocked well it's not going anywhere. reengage the brake slowly before before you lower it down
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