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Old 12-31-2019, 11:16 AM   #1
Bob Bidonde
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Default Ways to Start With Obstructed Hand Crank

I had to have a tool box between the front frame rails of my 190A because I do some out-of-state traveling each year. I chose the rectangular tool box because it holds more stuff than the the curved box.


Installing a tool box between the frame rails blocks access to hand-crank-start the engine. So given this disadvantage, and the starter fails to work, how could the engine be hand-cranked to start?

The tool box I speak of is attached to its mounting bracket with 4 screws, so it is removable. It's a good idea to use cage nuts or other captive type nuts to facilitate roadside removal. However it's a pain to empty my filled-to-the-brim tool box especially if the weather is inclement.

Another simple modification would be to add access holes through the tool box to accommodate a lengthened hand-crank. Plastic push-in caps would seal the holes in the box. This will be my solution because it minimizes the stuff I will need to take out of the tool box.
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Old 12-31-2019, 11:36 AM   #2
Kurt in NJ
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Default Re: Ways to Start With Obstructed Hand Crank

Always park on hill
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Old 12-31-2019, 12:41 PM   #3
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Default Re: Ways to Start With Obstructed Hand Crank

Put a piece of tubing all the way through your tool box and extend the hand crank.
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Old 12-31-2019, 12:58 PM   #4
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Default Re: Ways to Start With Obstructed Hand Crank

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Always park on hill



LOL ! Just like owning an old Harley.
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Old 12-31-2019, 01:05 PM   #5
Kurt in NJ
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Default Re: Ways to Start With Obstructed Hand Crank

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Put a piece of tubing all the way through your tool box and extend the hand crank.
This would work, get a V8 crank
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Old 12-31-2019, 07:17 PM   #6
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Default Re: Ways to Start With Obstructed Hand Crank

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Always park on hill
Push it to a hill ! 50 years ago I was pushing it a lot.
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Old 12-31-2019, 07:38 PM   #7
Charlie Stephens
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Default Re: Ways to Start With Obstructed Hand Crank

Bob,

Your car looks great and I assume it has a good battery. I wouldn't expect a problem, and wouldn't waste my time preparing for a problem that might never occur. In rare case of a problem, look for a couple of friends for a push, or call AAA for a jump. Or remove the box on the road for that rare occurance.

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Old 12-31-2019, 09:02 PM   #8
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Default Re: Ways to Start With Obstructed Hand Crank

Wow Bob! That is a BIG Bax. It appears you could just drill a hole in the back for the crank, remove all you stuff and crank the engine with the crank INSIDE the box!
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Old 12-31-2019, 09:09 PM   #9
jm29henry
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Default Re: Ways to Start With Obstructed Hand Crank

Look at Snyder catalog they sell a special wrench it may help you
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Old 12-31-2019, 10:30 PM   #10
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Default Re: Ways to Start With Obstructed Hand Crank

I have had two A’s over a long time period and never needed or used a crank....
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Old 01-01-2020, 01:20 AM   #11
The Master Cylinder
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Default Re: Ways to Start With Obstructed Hand Crank

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Originally Posted by jm29henry View Post
Look at Snyder catalog they sell a special wrench it may help you
I don't think I would try to start an engine with Snyder's "Special Wrench".
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Old 01-01-2020, 03:30 AM   #12
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Default Re: Ways to Start With Obstructed Hand Crank

Carry a pull-start rope from a lawn mower. Wrap it around the crank pulley and give it a strong yank!
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Old 01-01-2020, 10:22 AM   #13
Purdy Swoft
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Default Re: Ways to Start With Obstructed Hand Crank

I would prefer not to block the crank hole . My repro tool pouch holds everything that I feel that I might need and easily fits under the seat .
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Old 01-01-2020, 11:44 AM   #14
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Default Re: Ways to Start With Obstructed Hand Crank

I've seldom had a starting problem in the many years of driving a Model A. Twice, I think, in 30 years. Starter bendix jammed once, starter brushes wore out the other time.

In both cases I did a push start, popping the clutch with the transmission in 2nd gear, and the engine was running after the car was pushed about 10 feet. You enlist the aid of 2 or 3 people who gently push you and you pop the clutch. Off you go!

Much safer than hand cranking an engine that may kick back.
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Old 01-01-2020, 05:14 PM   #15
Purdy Swoft
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Default Re: Ways to Start With Obstructed Hand Crank

If its a sedan, make sure that the friends push by the rear bumper instead of the rear body panels ! There is too much risk of bending when the car is pushed by the rear body panels .
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