1929 model a won't stay running!

S

Sjstephen54

Junior Member
Bought the car a few days ago ran fine. Brought it home on a trailer and it starts but shuts right off after it starts. I try giving it a little gas same thing happens. Saw some videos on starting procedures and I did all the proper procedures. The car just won't stay running. Anyone have any idea or suggestions? Thanks so much.
 
Start by checking your gas filter screens...one in the sediment bowl and one in the carberator (if Zeneth).

Take a flashlight to see if there is any rust within the gastank.

This is a start of many different avenues.

Have fun.

Where are you at? Might wnt to consider joining up with a local Model A/AA Ford club...They will have you up and running in no time!

Pluck

Pluck
 
First thing to check is if it is spark quitting.

Pull one brass plug lead off a plug and leave a small gap so you can see spark.

Start and give it a rev if you can and see if the spark is quitting or not .

If the spark is good all the way down to zero revs, then go on the hunt for lack of gas.
 
Sounds like a fuel issue. You might try cracking open the gas line at the carburetor and turning on the gas at the tank valve to see if you have a good flow. If gas gushes from the carb line, then remove the carburetor and clean it thoroughly. The inlet screen could be partially plugged. Tom Endy has an excellent article on using the lowly paper clip to clean out internal Zenith passage ways without removing passage plugs. I tried it and it works. Good luck
 
That was my first thought as wel,l a leaky valve that is closed.

By the way WELCOME to the hobby and to the Fordbarn. It may seem like we have having fun at your expense by we ALL have done something similar.

Please let us know what you find and if it is not the valve we will help you in getting it going.

Where are you located? If you enter your location we can find someone close to you to help.
 
When I took delivery of my '28 Tudor, it started and idled nicely but stopped as soon as I touched the accelerator. I went straight to the carby and found a piece of crap in the main jet. Cleaned that and it hasn't missed a beat since.
If that accords with what yours is doing, its worth a look.
Good luck. not that you will need it!
 
Sjstephen54 said:
Yes gas valve is open
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I figured that would be too easy. The next step is to remove the fuel line at the carb and see if you get a strong stream into a quart jar. Let it flow for several seconds, and if the flow is good, then take the carb apart and clean it. As mentioned, be sure the screen at the carb inlet is clean.
 
Yes, what Bob said. I turn my GAV 1 to 1 1/2 turns open for the first minute on a cold engine, and if the engine starts to die after a few seconds on a cold start, then I also give the choke a quick pull and release. I let it idle about 1 minute then close my GAV and drive away. Most people leave the GAV a quarter turn open, and I could also because it runs the same as when I close it.
 
Tom Wesenberg said:
Yes, what Bob said. I turn my GAV 1 to 1 1/2 turns open for the first minute on a cold engine, and if the engine starts to die after a few seconds on a cold start, then I also give the choke a quick pull and release. I let it idle about 1 minute then close my GAV and drive away. Most people leave the GAV a quarter turn open, and I could also because it runs the same as when I close it.
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So 1 full turn open for a minute or so then close it almost all the way? Do you think that could be the reason it keeps shutting off?
 
Sjstephen54 said:
So 1 full turn open for a minute or so then close it almost all the way? Do you think that could be the reason it keeps shutting off?
Click to expand...

It could be, but be sure to keep it open even 1 1/2 turns and try it. Also give the choke a quick pull and release if it starts to die, then let us know if it helps. So far it sounds fuel related, but I don't think we have enough clues yet to say it couldn't also be electrical.
 
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