Assistance needed.

J

Jbuddy791

Junior Member
I am brand new to the Model A scene. Bought a '29 Model A this summer after retiring and I have stripped it down to the chassis. I believe it was stored for a number of years (10+) and has not run since. I did all the basic stuff . . . cleaned the oil pan out, new gasket etc. changed all the electrical wiring to the engine, new stuff in the distributor and new plugs, etc. When I went to activate the starter it turned the engine over about one revolution and then the starter started smoking at the top by the starter switch. Also, it seemed like the new battery lost its charge. Anyone have any advice or a book I can get to help me start this baby.
Thanks. Joe
 
Jbuddy - Two books I use regularly are Les Andrews, Mechanics Handbook Volume I, and the Judging Stands & Restoration Handbook. Both have valuable and usable info in them.

A third book I look at often is the Ford Service Bulletins.

All three books are available from most of the Model A vendors.

Another valuable source are the members of a local Model A club near you (if there is one).

Hope this helps.

Follow-up note: As Mike stated below, that is the first place I would look too.
 
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If you have an original switch you may need to go to an electrical shop and see if you can get some new insulating washers. If it is a new repop, other than replacing it with a properly restored original I do not have any suggestions. Do you have the insulating gromet installed around the foot peddle? They can short directly to the body if that is missing. Rod
 
Joe, you will probably find the starter switch failed internally and rubbed against the switch housing. It is very easy to see if you take the switch apart. You should include your general location in your profile in case someone close might have or be able to point you to what you need. Did you joint a local club? See modelaford.org and mafca.com for the national clubs. The national clubs list their local chapters on their web sites.

Charlie Stephens
 
If the body is off then the switch pushrod has no support and you may have pushed it sideways and knocked the fibre insulator off the end of the rod. Then the rod will short on the heavy copper strap and smoke.
 
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