How to start a '28 Ford Model "A" the "Old-Time Way"

While I am not a proponent of using two hands, I do think it is worth mentioning that everyone should take note of this "Cranker's" hand position. If the engine were to 'kick', it should be able to release from his hands suddenly without jerking a thumb off.

One other thing that I learned the hard way that ultimately caused me to have Rotator Cuff surgery on my cranking arm is that the technique should not be to jerk the crank quickly thru rotation, but just to pull slowly and steady past the piston cycle. Since the cranking stroke is generally ¼ of a turn -or one piston compression cycle, then there is not any advantage to jerking it quickly. This is why even petite ladies back in the day were capable of hand-cranking a Model-A (or Model-T) engine.
 
The Master Cylinder said:
Not sure what the choke did for him since he pull and released it??
Click to expand...


Sometimes starting the Ts at Greenfield Village I have to give the choke a 'blip' while it's cranking and then they will fire right up. It's usually when it's been cranked and started then died.

Very Respectfully,

jason
 
How to start a '28 Ford Model "A" the "Old-Time Way"

I’ve never tried hand cranking our car cold (I never really thought about that until now), but I usually have to blip the choke when using the electric starter when the car is cold. After the engine is warm, I can hand crank it without choking. Brent is right for our car. A slow crank of about a 1/4 rotation is usually all it takes.

We are blessed. Our car has always started easily.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
The Master Cylinder said:
Not sure what the choke did for him since he pull and released it??
Click to expand...

rileyracing said:
Sometimes starting the Ts at Greenfield Village I have to give the choke a 'blip' while it's cranking and then they will fire right up. It's usually when it's been cranked and started then died.

Very Respectfully,

jason
Click to expand...

P.S. said:
This is how that is ACTUALLY done- https://youtu.be/8EWDRHC2dzg?feature=shared&t=127
Click to expand...

I would agree IF the ignition was on and the engine was turning over! All he did in the video is say "choke on" and pull and release.
 
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