The Ford Barn

Ed in Maine · 07-02-2023, 07:42 AM

I purchased my 1914 Model T in 2006. No starter. Since then I have found that the car is getting harder and harder to start, especially when the car has been running and then turned off. Last fall I was enjoying a good ride and when at speed the car shut down like I had turned off the ignition. It wouldn't start and we had to tow it home, about 2 miles. This spring is the first time that the car is impossible to start. After choking, the engine will make a turn when I turn on the coils and in a few cases it will run for three seconds. The coils were serviced, carb cleaned and the tank was drained and fresh gas put in. I did a compression test and the highest cylinder was 30 psi (hand cranking the best I could do). One cylinder is down to 5 psi.

I like the car and have had a lot of fun with it. The engine has a serial number which is consistent with 1914. I am 80 and don't have strong arms, so maybe it is time to have a starter. How should I proceed? I am in northern Maine. Is there a rebuilder that you would recommend in New England? I am capable of getting the engine out and getting down to a short block. Thank you for any comments you may have. Ed

rotorwrench · 07-02-2023, 09:01 AM

J and M Machine Company is in Southborough, Massachusetts. I'm not sure about Maine though. Maybe someone else can help with a shop that is closer to you.

This is a link to Vince's site about them.
https://www.fordgarage.com/pages/JMmachine.htm

ronn · 07-03-2023, 03:22 PM

J and M is one of the best in the country.

harryc · 07-09-2023, 06:24 PM

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it's possible that it may just need a valve job

07-02-2023, 07:42 AM	#1
Ed in Maine Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cty., ME or Flagler Cty., FL Posts: 1,106	End of the road with Low Compression I purchased my 1914 Model T in 2006. No starter. Since then I have found that the car is getting harder and harder to start, especially when the car has been running and then turned off. Last fall I was enjoying a good ride and when at speed the car shut down like I had turned off the ignition. It wouldn't start and we had to tow it home, about 2 miles. This spring is the first time that the car is impossible to start. After choking, the engine will make a turn when I turn on the coils and in a few cases it will run for three seconds. The coils were serviced, carb cleaned and the tank was drained and fresh gas put in. I did a compression test and the highest cylinder was 30 psi (hand cranking the best I could do). One cylinder is down to 5 psi. I like the car and have had a lot of fun with it. The engine has a serial number which is consistent with 1914. I am 80 and don't have strong arms, so maybe it is time to have a starter. How should I proceed? I am in northern Maine. Is there a rebuilder that you would recommend in New England? I am capable of getting the engine out and getting down to a short block. Thank you for any comments you may have. Ed

07-02-2023, 09:01 AM	#2
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,440	Re: End of the road with Low Compression J and M Machine Company is in Southborough, Massachusetts. I'm not sure about Maine though. Maybe someone else can help with a shop that is closer to you. This is a link to Vince's site about them. https://www.fordgarage.com/pages/JMmachine.htm Last edited by rotorwrench; 07-02-2023 at 09:23 AM.

07-03-2023, 03:22 PM	#3
ronn Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: NNNNNNNNJJJJJJJJJJ Posts: 6,794	Re: End of the road with Low Compression J and M is one of the best in the country.

07-09-2023, 06:24 PM	#4
harryc Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: CA Posts: 206	Re: End of the road with Low Compression Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) it's possible that it may just need a valve job