Does Your A Start Right UP?

[Oldgearz]

I'm new to a 30 model A coupe. Have enjoyed putting in new points, plugs and timing, and rebuilding carb....just to learn how. I have rebuilt 5 Ford 8n tractors (done everything) and these old critters (1947 - 1951) are 4 cylinder, 6 volt, updraft carb) and most fire and keep running (with choke manipulation) on the first crank. My Model A NEVER keeps running on the first crank. Have tried every combo of retard/advance, gas, GAV and choke combo. Car almost always keeps running on second crank with no choke. Is it possible to get these things to fire right up and keep running on the first crank?

[Clem Clement]

Fuel drain out of the carb? Fuel shutoff OK? Carb clean? rings free? Put a little Seafoam in the engine to soak the rings lose. Carb bolts tight to the intake manifold? These engines like to start. Happy holidays.

[700rpm]

There are about 9 or 10 steps to starting a Model A cold. If you will describe what you are doing, maybe we can advise where to make an adjustment.

[daveymc29]

The short answer is yes. They can be made quite reliable in starting with the first attempt amd will continue to run. I believe that there is probably some issue with your gas delivery from what you describe, or you are trying to start it without advancing the gas lever a few notches, or idle speed is too slow. You don't want it to start and the race the motor but a faster idle may solve your problem. I would try that first, from what you say.

[Oldgearz]

Full retard; about 3-4 clicks on gas lever, GAV at 1/2, full choke till it fires. I have great vacuum reading (19) which seems to preclude manifold leak, and seems the throttle set at 3 clicks would offset any influence of how the idle is set; have great gas flow with spotlessly clean gas (no crude) to carburetor. I put a little MMO in gas.

[WHN]

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Our 29 most always starts with the second try. GAV at 3/4, gas 3 clicks, choke fully out.

First time fires, then dies. Hit the starter again, engine fires right up and stays running.

I don’t see it as a big thing.

Enjoy.

[Oldgearz]

That's exactly what mine does. Its just bugs me a little....wanting everything to be perfect!

[Jacksonlll]

I assume you are pulling the spark lever down as soon as it fires.

[Oldgearz]

Quick as I can.

[J Franklin]

Originally Posted by Jacksonlll

I assume you are pulling the spark lever down as soon as it fires.

This should never be necessary except when it is being driven. If this is necessary your timing is too retarded.

[Dennisfly]

Each car is different and I only have experience with my own, but during a cold start, if I keep the choke out for more than one revolution it is too rich and will die. Starts immediately otherwise and never needs choke if warm.

[Chuck Dempsey]

No advice, but welcome to the Barn!

[Curtis in MA]

My "clicks" are all worn off so I move the gas to about 2:30 position.
Choke for about one revolution.

[norcalal]

Every model a is different but to adjust to a faster idle upon startup, I look at accelerator and pull down the throttle arm till it just moves a bit. That keeps the guesswork out of how worn or misadjusted the carburetor linkage may be.

[Bill G]

Generally, mine stays running on the furst start, but with colder weather, if I remember, I will crank it with the key off and choking it for a couple seconds. Turn the key on and continue to choke and it fires right up, the pull down on the advance. Works nearly all the time. Opening the GAV may or may not help during starts because it doesn't kick in until revs are at a fast idle or higher. In warmer summer weather, no issues at all.

[J Franklin]

I Only give it an errrr-errr with the choke fully out then keep it half choked, if cold, till it gets going well.

[Mister Moose]

Originally Posted by J Franklin

I Only give it an errrr-errr with the choke fully out then keep it half choked, if cold, till it gets going well.

Similar, except my car is errr---r---errRr---r---errr.

I don't get the rush on the spark advance at all. Won't everyone's car run just fine fully retarded?

[TJMack]

Originally Posted by J Franklin

I Only give it an errrr-errr with the choke fully out then keep it half choked, if cold, till it gets going well.

That's exactly what I do as well. Works nearly every time. Once it's warm, no choke. It will flood easily.

[700rpm]

This is a fuel delivery problem. Do you immediately engage the foot throttle or hand throttle when it first fires and as you bring the spark rod down? The Choking will not give you enough fuel to begin or continue fully running.

[nkaminar]

Most likely the GAV is not open enough. Try it one turn or more.