start without cranking

39MikeFL

39MikeFL

Junior Member
Hello all Im new to ford barn. I own a 39 ford pickup and My father n law owns a 23 Model T coupe. I recently got the Model T running by using a youtube video on how to start it. My question is the first time I got it to start it started up exactly how the guy did it in the video the first time. (Imagine that right) that never happens. Then yesterday I went out to start it and I made sure the key was turned off, went and cranked it over a few times to prime it, went back to turn the key on and it fired up with out me even having to crank it over? is this normal? Thanks in advance for all the info.
 
Yes this is normal, but it is more common when the engine is hot. A model t coil puts out a continuous spark, whereas other systems put out just a single spark each time each cylinder fires.
 
It's call a free start. If there is a charge in the cylinder and the piston is just over TDC, when you turn the key to battery that can happen. This is a good reason to take the key out when you are working under the hood. I have had delayed starts, turn the key to battery for starting, walk around to the front and am about to reach down to grab the crank, and she would start. Just bumping the car moved something and away she goes.
Generally this happens more with a car that has a few miles on it and the power train is a little looser.
 
Look at it this way- if you get "free starts" your engine is well-tuned. Free Starts give you bragging rights. Not everyone gets 'em. I hope they continue.
 
I went to start my 21 that had been setting for 2 months, turned the switch to batt, thru the timing lever to retard. started right up. my 98 year old neighbor was really impressed. neat
 
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