30 model A over heating

[The STIG]

We have an unrestored 30 model A 5 window coupe that starts fine but is over heating and the muffler and exhaust track starts to glow with heat and backfires like a shotgun when you turn it off.

It goes without saying this is a problem and I was thinking it was some kind of a timing issue. This is not much more then a guess on my part. I do not know the A engine well at all. I do have plenty of time in model T's but I think I am doing something wrong here.

1. Am I on the right track with this problem?

2. If not what other causes should I be looking at?

Any help on this would be great. Thanks

 

[700rpm]

Timing would be the first thing I'd look at. There are many sites and sources that describe the correct timing method. Just do a search and you'll find lots of help. It's pretty simple.

 

[Chris Haynes]

Red glowing exhaust is a sign or retarded timing or lean fuel mixture.

 

[pat in Santa Cruz]

definitely check timing first. Are you advancing the spark once started? If the car sat a long time, there could be a rat nest in the muffler. If the cooling system was open, there could be a rat nest in the radiator too.

 

[blgitn]

Stig; are you a tame racing driver?

 

[pat in Santa Cruz]

heres a great site on timing

http://www.abarnyard.com/workshop/timing.htm

look at the sticky thread on top of this site for more links

BTW, 80% of overheating problems are the radiator, but yours sounds like timing is involved.

 

[The STIG]

Thanks very much guys for the great info and link. I think I know what I need to look at to solve this problem now.


Great forum.

 

[700rpm]

Let us know how it turns out.

 

[The STIG]

Will do. Thanks again.