Crank starting my 36

[Lawson Cox]

My first car was a Model A and there was a guide for the crank that bolted to the front cross member with the spring U bolts. My 1939 PU has no guide other than the grille hole. Is that strong enough to guide the crank?

It may or may not be, especially if you fail to crank it properly. At least the 39 PU grill is stronger than the chrome 36 grill. I do not know why Henry stopped using the steel guide or guard for the crank on the front cross member.

 

[bluestem]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DArvPMlxHeQ&feature=related

 

[sturgis 39]

Do not trust what you see on you tube. I did not watch the video because of my dial up connection.

I would not crank an engine by hand. Pull the car, roll it down a hill or go buy a new battery.
It is just to dangerous.

My mother use to crank start her Model "a" when the Bendix spring was broke. She was taught by my dad. I do not have the guts or the need to crank start an engine.

 

[49r]

I used to hand crank my F1 regularly when I was too poor to buy a new battery - the crank-hole grill bar got loose though after a while and could have done with extra support. The only way to start many vintage aircraft is by hand-propping and, as with vehicles, is perfectly safe if done the correct way - I did it for many years without incident and as a pianist had the added incentive of keeping all digits intact and functional. The important thing, I think, is keeping these lost arts alive.

 

[Brian]

I regularly crank start my 35- the crank handle is the only original Ford tool I carry.
A few years back, upon leaving work, my boss found he had a flat battery in his nice new shiney fancy modern automatic transmissioned car. Undaunted, I removed the battery from my 35 [12 volt], and substituted his flat battery for mine. His car started right up, but he asked 'How are you going to start yours?". "crank handle " I replied. "What's that?" he asked.
I inserted the crank handle, gave it a quick flick, and the old 35 fired right up! He was gobsmacked! He had never seen anything like it.
A very useful tool to have.