The Ford Barn

BVZ24 · 07-18-2021, 06:09 PM

Hello,
I am new driving Model A's. I have been learning how to maintain and drive the car for 2 years, with the mentorship of a friend that has has a model A for longer. The car is 1930 Fordor that had been sitting for 7 yrs with bad gas and existing motor issues, and last year we were able to get it running and driving, but not reliably. We still had run and idle issues. Early this spring, I swapped the carburetor with a rebuilt carb and that seemed to solve all the run issues. The car runs, idles and drives nicely around town. I joined a local model A club and I did my first tour with the group this weekend. The car is a pleasure to drive at lower speeds, but once we hit the countryside roads and higher speeds, I wasn't able to keep up.
With the fuel-air at the recommended 1/2-1 turn from full right, and timing almost all the way down, I would have sufficient power as long as I stayed under 45 indicated mph. I believe my speedometer is as much as 5 mph fast. As soon as I would try to accelerate past 45, the engine would slow down and I would immediately start slowing down as if I was engine braking. I can let off the gas and the engine would speed back up to 45. To keep up with the group, I found I could compensate by turning the fuel-air as many as 3 turns left, and accelerate to indicated 55, but no faster. I was still finding myself slower than the group which seemed to be cruising at the posted real speed of 55.
I asked around and we believe the car runs lean at high speeds, but nobody had any ideas as to why. I also had a moderate amount of blowby which only occurred at the high speeds, club members believed it was a normal amount, and the oil does not smell of gas. The fuel has good flow thru the lines to the carb, the valve and valve filter has been replaced. The lines are copper, and the carburetor side has a cut and repair with modern hose. The carb has a small fuel leak near the fuel-air adjustment but as far as I know the needle and seat function and the float floats. I enjoyed touring the car and would like to continue but would like to be able to keep up with the group. The group recommended I ask this forum. What are my options for getting the car to drive at the higher speeds?

07-18-2021, 06:09 PM	#1
BVZ24 Member Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: South East Wisconsin Posts: 47	Losing Power at High Speeds Hello, I am new driving Model A's. I have been learning how to maintain and drive the car for 2 years, with the mentorship of a friend that has has a model A for longer. The car is 1930 Fordor that had been sitting for 7 yrs with bad gas and existing motor issues, and last year we were able to get it running and driving, but not reliably. We still had run and idle issues. Early this spring, I swapped the carburetor with a rebuilt carb and that seemed to solve all the run issues. The car runs, idles and drives nicely around town. I joined a local model A club and I did my first tour with the group this weekend. The car is a pleasure to drive at lower speeds, but once we hit the countryside roads and higher speeds, I wasn't able to keep up. With the fuel-air at the recommended 1/2-1 turn from full right, and timing almost all the way down, I would have sufficient power as long as I stayed under 45 indicated mph. I believe my speedometer is as much as 5 mph fast. As soon as I would try to accelerate past 45, the engine would slow down and I would immediately start slowing down as if I was engine braking. I can let off the gas and the engine would speed back up to 45. To keep up with the group, I found I could compensate by turning the fuel-air as many as 3 turns left, and accelerate to indicated 55, but no faster. I was still finding myself slower than the group which seemed to be cruising at the posted real speed of 55. I asked around and we believe the car runs lean at high speeds, but nobody had any ideas as to why. I also had a moderate amount of blowby which only occurred at the high speeds, club members believed it was a normal amount, and the oil does not smell of gas. The fuel has good flow thru the lines to the carb, the valve and valve filter has been replaced. The lines are copper, and the carburetor side has a cut and repair with modern hose. The carb has a small fuel leak near the fuel-air adjustment but as far as I know the needle and seat function and the float floats. I enjoyed touring the car and would like to continue but would like to be able to keep up with the group. The group recommended I ask this forum. What are my options for getting the car to drive at the higher speeds? Last edited by BVZ24; 07-18-2021 at 06:49 PM. Reason: Computer froze and mashing the keyboard posted early.