First Drive This Year

RalphG

RalphG

Well-known member
I took my first drive of the year in the 52 Merc today. Expected hard starting after a 3 month rest but it fired right up. I helped a little by pressurizing the fuel tank to force gas into the pump and carb bowl. Plus poured a little gas down the carb throat and it took mayb e 5 seconds cranking to start. Mild enough but no water or mud to deal with. Just cruised up and down the driveway long enough to heat up the engine. Its ready for summer drives. Video of today here.
https://youtu.be/XuHo2pxzKIk
 

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RalphG, could you explain how you pressurize the gas tank? How much pressure do you use and for how long? My '40 is still sleeping but it's gettinb close to time to get her started up. Thanks, Hunt
 
HDowse said:
RalphG, could you explain how you pressurize the gas tank? How much pressure do you use and for how long? My '40 is still sleeping but it's gettinb close to time to get her started up. Thanks, Hunt
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Some may smile or laugh at my method of pressurization but it involves my own lung power blowing in to the filler of the gas tank. No danger of damaging anything, other than my own health, and it sure works. First saw it work at a car show last summer. Went to leave the show and the Merc would barely start and then stalled. Sediment bowl was low so I got my nephew to blow into the tank while I watched. The gas in the bowl came up quick and ran down the sides. Apparently the bowl gasket was leaking. I got a new gasket but have not installed it yet.
 
Did the first drive in the '42 Tudor couple weeks ago, then it got cold again and they salted the roads - rats!

Started right up though after a few seconds to pump fuel to the carb. Drove to the station to get some fresh gas, then on what I call my "long loop" drive of about 12 miles - long enough to get everything up to normal operating temps.

Now I have to wait again for a good rain to wash the streets off - bummer!
 
rosenkranzwa, how do you store all those vehicles? I have room for my three now ('40 Fordor, '23 Runabout and '46 GMC p/u) and wish I had more room for a A. Any pictures of your 'garage'?
RalphG, thanks for the explanation. I'll try that technique...
Thanks, Hunt
 
I wish I could go for a first drive, still snowed in, and more on the way!
 

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Ralph, good to see you get the Merc out for some excercise. You're way ahead of us here in the east. We had over a foot of snow in the last couple of days and now the wind is howling and blowing it all around. The '34 is patiently waiting in the garage for it's first spring run! Changed the oil, fuel filter, checked trans and diff levels, adjusted brakes, (again), etc. etc. now waiting for the snow, (and salt), to disappear so I can go for a spin! Can't wait!
Doug.
 
No worries about salt here as I have five miles of gravel road before hitting the paved highways where they use salt. There advantages to living out in the sticks. I won't touch the highway with the Merc until it is clean and dry.
 
Hunt - we have two double-long and two single bay Amish sheds in back, carefully positioned so it looks like only two from the road, two in the garage, and three trailers with a car in each. Our families big event each year is WWII Weekend in Reading when we stage all three trailers with the '42 Tudor, "42 Jeep, and '43 Harley up to a hotel we stay at 10 min. from the site.

I'm thinking seriously about putting electrical fuel pumps in the '42 Tudor and Jeep.
 
Still melting snow in Minnsota, itching just the same for my first ride of the season which will also be my first ride in my barn find '39. Can't wait doesn't say enough!
 
patbill@megahits.com said:
I'm jealous. Still have two feet of snow outside the shop up here in northwest Conn but my 48 Merc. is ready to go!

Bill
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Should be soon now Bill. Today was not so good for driving even a modern vehicle with the blizzard that blew in at noon. Glad I got out with the 52 last week. So this afternoon I shot a little video of both cars, indoors of course, showing the differences in headlights between the 52 and 53.
https://youtu.be/d0i5SCj6dds
 
First couple of years with my '35 I'd winterize it and put it up on jack stands to get weight off suspension and tires. Put Fuel Stabilizer in the tank & leave her be til first ride in spring. Still use the Stabilizer but that's about it. As long as no snow I take it out on the nice dry winter days. It really likes the cold air and runs great, I think they run better when in regular use. Last few years it hasn't had any issues always ready when ever I'm ready.:D
 
Just got back from the first drive for the year. Put her away 5 months ago and today she didn't a beat. Roads are dry and the temp was 49 degrees. Drivers window down, top up and heater on. Life is good!
 
Merc Cruzer said:
Just got back from the first drive for the year. Put her away 5 months ago and today she didn't a beat. Roads are dry and the temp was 49 degrees. Drivers window down, top up and heater on. Life is good!
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Wish you could share some of that nice weather cruising in your Merc. Would make a great video.
 
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