how to start a model a after sitting

ok so i am in the process of trading a buddy of mine out of a 29 model a pickup that his dad had. the truck is pretty much all original flathead four banger and all. thing is it ran when it was parked but that was probably sometime in the eighties. So my question is how do i go about getting this thing going again. I have never dealt with anything this old, im a y-block kid so never dealt with a flattie of any kind before. I know the common things like change all the fluids and this and that but what should i specifically do to start the old flattie four. Thanks guys im hoping i can get it running and driving by next summer.

 

read up on setting the points and timing its a little different with the timing bolt and point cam adjustment. pull the plugs and squirts some oil in the cyls. pull distributor and dump two of the five quarts down the dist. hole to prelube the mains and rod splash pan and fire it

 

read up on the funky levers on the steering column...spark...throttle...and the funky knob on the right side of the dash....choke....mixture....

 

Here you go...after following 1 and 2, follow this: http://www.markhaywardismyhero.com/2007/06/06/how-to-start-a-model-a-ford/

Also, remember when you charge the battery the Model A's are positive ground, 6 volt systems.

 

our model a sat since 53. my pop but some diesel in the engine to sit, let that soak for a week or so and drained the oil. put some plugs and a cap and it fired right up. smoked for a little bit and it ran great for about 15yrs!! now its waiting for me to get the engine redone after it finally had enough. definately do as Squirrel says too..

 

man, my **** was running when i brought it but ran with knocks
you should open up the oil pan and see the internals just to see how well maintain they are.
if everything checks out good.
you can try all the obvious to start her up...run the distributor adjustment in full retard...thats when it should start up the easiest.

 

ya dont forget that...i had my grounds mixed up.

 

Model-A.org

The Place for Model-A Ford Carburetors


Starting Procedure

1. Engage emergency brake by pulling back on it.
2. Push lever left of steering wheel (Spark Control) all the way up (Retard)
3. Pull lever right of the steering (Hand Throttle) half way down
4. Turn Gas Valve under dash on p***enger side to open (Pointing down)
5. Turn Choke Control Valve (under right side of dash) full clockwise and back off 1/4 turn. If it's quite cold out, it may be better to open a full turn.
6. Turn Ignition Switch on (Clockwise)
7. Push in clutch and put Transmission in Neutral
8. Pull Choke Control Out
9. Turn engine over 3 Revolutions – Choke in on 3rd Revolution
10. When Engine Starts – Push Throttle Lever (Right Lever) Up
11. Put Left Lever all the way down. (Depending on how your engine is timed, 3/4 down might be better.)
12. Allow Engine to Warm Up. (The accelerator pedal will need to be used to keep engine running until it warms up.)
13. Turn Choke control (actually GAV) clockwise to smoothest operating condition.
14. When starting an engine, which is already warmed up, omit Choke steps.
15. Always put Left Lever (Spark Retard Position) all the way up when starting & then down when driving.
16. Have Fun Driving!

Go to for full procudure with pix http://www.model-a.org/procedures_full.html

 

wish i wouldve had this when i brought my first model a and drove it home.

 

Sheridan has a Model A club. The best thing to do is contact Alan Peterson below. Every Model A club has a bunch of guys who live for the chance to fire up an old 'A' like yours. Also, they may even know the truck, its history and condition.

The posts so far cover only part of what should be done to get your engine running. Every Model A club prides itself in helping new Model A owners like you ... let them.


BIG HORN A'S
Po Box 5063
Sheridan WY 82801
Alan Peterson
307-674-9702

 

And then you do the hokey-pokey and you turn yourself around...

 

ok wow who knew that old of pickup could be that complicated. thanks this will help alot. and ill make sure to get ahold of the model a club and ask for thier help

 

Sounds like you are new to stock Model A's. You should also check out fordbarn.com (the Model A section) and ahoogo.com. The two national Model A clubs are at mafca.com and modelaford.org (they list the local clubs).

Good luck.

Charlie Stephens

 

Know what, your gona have a blast. The Model a engine loves to run. Get some oil in the dist hole make sure it has spark and it will run. You will have a blast, when it fires, its a feeling you only get a few time in your life. This will be one of them. Iceman