The Ford Barn

woodrow · 12-21-2013, 04:09 PM

About 30 days ago we bought our first Model A---a 1931 Model A Town Sedan. Every time I tried to start the car it always fired right up, however today is warmer and VERY humid. I tried 2 or 3 different times today to start the car but nothing happened except flooding after a minute or so. Never bumped at all. The 1915 Model T started right up with the crank on Magneto and they sit side by side. I'd appreciate any suggestions because in a few days the car will be used to drive a granddaughter away from her wedding. Thanks,

Patrick L. · 12-21-2013, 05:54 PM

Sounds as if you may have flooded it.
Does it have spark ?

MrWzrd · 12-21-2013, 05:58 PM

"never bumped at all'....would have me looking at no spark. Ignition switch, ground, points, timing, etc.

No spark will usually lead to "flooding" in the attempt to get it started.

Since you have a T you are probably well familiar with the feel and sound of compression.... so with the ignition off pull the engine through by hand to do a quick check that the mechanical insides feel and sound right. If they do...go chase down the electrical. (ignition)

SkipShift · 12-21-2013, 06:01 PM

I'm a new 31 SW TS owner too. When mine wouldn't start I discovered a blown fuse on top of the starter caused by my shorting out one of the lights.

woodrow · 12-21-2013, 06:56 PM

Well, good grief. I guess I just flooded the car when I tried to start it earlier in the day. It was very warm outside and VERY humid---don't know if that's a factor or not. Anyway, it's cooler now and the humidity has gone down a bunch and the car started right off. After reading your kind and patient posts I first checked the fuse going in to the starter and it's fine. As I mentioned in my first post, we have only had the car for about 30 days, it's our first Model A and I guess I'll have to learn it's quirks. Thanks for your help. I appreciate it very much.

insomniacshotrods · 12-22-2013, 08:18 AM

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Glad you got it started.

jkcrosson · 12-22-2013, 08:54 AM

My car does not like damp humid weather. We have been going through weeks of Seattle type wet weather. Mine cranked fine on Friday night and pitched a fit cranking Saturday morning. Only difference was Saturday morning was 15 degrees warmer and misty rain. My car is parked on a carport that the concrete sweats terrible.

Steve Wastler · 12-22-2013, 08:54 AM

Since it seems you have determined it is exasperated by humidity, it would be wise to thuroughly inspect your electrical system and clean each and every connection, points, rotor cap, etc....

jkcrosson · 12-22-2013, 09:13 AM

I've got good spark at the points. That was the first thing I checked.

Ed H. · 12-22-2013, 04:10 PM

Condensation on cap and wires will short out the system. Even tho you have spark at the points.
Try spraying with WD-40, that will usually get you going if the issue is condensation.

Mike V. Florida · 12-22-2013, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkcrosson

I've got good spark at the points. That was the first thing I checked.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Wastler

Since it seems you have determined it is exasperated by humidity, it would be wise to thuroughly inspect your electrical system and clean each and every connection, points, rotor cap, etc....

Not just check but as Steve says clean the connections. Sure sounds like pitted points to me.

Mitch//pa · 12-22-2013, 04:27 PM

you can find your moisture problem by duplicating it with a spray bottle of water. mist individual components //areas until the problem reoccurs.

Barber31 · 12-23-2013, 02:56 AM

One thing I like to do is ruff up all electrical contact points and apply a smidge of bulb grease or dialectric grease. Usually on the spark plug terminals, distributor and rotor contacts, terminal box contacts and coil wire contact ends. I feel it helps with them not getting dirt/rust or condensation in the nook and crannies.

12-21-2013, 04:09 PM	#1
woodrow Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 141	Won't start? About 30 days ago we bought our first Model A---a 1931 Model A Town Sedan. Every time I tried to start the car it always fired right up, however today is warmer and VERY humid. I tried 2 or 3 different times today to start the car but nothing happened except flooding after a minute or so. Never bumped at all. The 1915 Model T started right up with the crank on Magneto and they sit side by side. I'd appreciate any suggestions because in a few days the car will be used to drive a granddaughter away from her wedding. Thanks,

12-21-2013, 05:54 PM	#2
Patrick L. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Largo Florida Posts: 7,225	Re: Won't start? Sounds as if you may have flooded it. Does it have spark ?

12-21-2013, 05:58 PM	#3
MrWzrd BANNED Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 158	Re: Won't start? "never bumped at all'....would have me looking at no spark. Ignition switch, ground, points, timing, etc. No spark will usually lead to "flooding" in the attempt to get it started. Since you have a T you are probably well familiar with the feel and sound of compression.... so with the ignition off pull the engine through by hand to do a quick check that the mechanical insides feel and sound right. If they do...go chase down the electrical. (ignition)

12-21-2013, 06:01 PM	#4
SkipShift Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Traverse City, Mi Posts: 185	Re: Won't start? I'm a new 31 SW TS owner too. When mine wouldn't start I discovered a blown fuse on top of the starter caused by my shorting out one of the lights.

12-21-2013, 06:56 PM	#5
woodrow Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 141	Re: Won't start? Well, good grief. I guess I just flooded the car when I tried to start it earlier in the day. It was very warm outside and VERY humid---don't know if that's a factor or not. Anyway, it's cooler now and the humidity has gone down a bunch and the car started right off. After reading your kind and patient posts I first checked the fuse going in to the starter and it's fine. As I mentioned in my first post, we have only had the car for about 30 days, it's our first Model A and I guess I'll have to learn it's quirks. Thanks for your help. I appreciate it very much.

12-22-2013, 08:18 AM	#6
insomniacshotrods Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Carthage, Missouri Posts: 267	Re: Won't start? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Glad you got it started. __________________ Enjoy life , it has an expiration date.

12-22-2013, 08:54 AM	#7
jkcrosson Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Pell City AL Posts: 720	Re: Won't start? My car does not like damp humid weather. We have been going through weeks of Seattle type wet weather. Mine cranked fine on Friday night and pitched a fit cranking Saturday morning. Only difference was Saturday morning was 15 degrees warmer and misty rain. My car is parked on a carport that the concrete sweats terrible. __________________ Jamie Crosson 1929 Tudor Looking for an Original 888 Key

12-22-2013, 08:54 AM	#8
Steve Wastler Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 1,987	Re: Won't start? Since it seems you have determined it is exasperated by humidity, it would be wise to thuroughly inspect your electrical system and clean each and every connection, points, rotor cap, etc....

12-22-2013, 09:13 AM	#9
jkcrosson Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Pell City AL Posts: 720	Re: Won't start? I've got good spark at the points. That was the first thing I checked. __________________ Jamie Crosson 1929 Tudor Looking for an Original 888 Key

12-22-2013, 04:10 PM	#10
Ed H. Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Milton NH Posts: 148	Re: Won't start? Condensation on cap and wires will short out the system. Even tho you have spark at the points. Try spraying with WD-40, that will usually get you going if the issue is condensation. __________________ If you see a bomb technician running, do everything in your power to keep up with him. United States Navy

12-22-2013, 04:27 PM	#12
Mitch//pa BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bucks County, PA Posts: 11,454	Re: Won't start? you can find your moisture problem by duplicating it with a spray bottle of water. mist individual components //areas until the problem reoccurs.

12-23-2013, 02:56 AM	#13
Barber31 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 687	Re: Won't start? One thing I like to do is ruff up all electrical contact points and apply a smidge of bulb grease or dialectric grease. Usually on the spark plug terminals, distributor and rotor contacts, terminal box contacts and coil wire contact ends. I feel it helps with them not getting dirt/rust or condensation in the nook and crannies.