Starting a 30's Ford

A

Alan O'Connell

Well-known member
What is the best way to start a 30's Ford? Pump the gas pedal a few times or not pump the gas pedal at all, pull the choke out half way or all the way or somewhere in between?
 
I don't have the choke hooked up, so a couple of pumps of gas and then crank. I have an electric pump to prime the carb so when I give those first pumps I know it is giving a squirt of gas to the engine. I then give it a few blips until it can settle at an idle.
 
If the engine is cold and has been sitting for awhile, what I usually do is pull the choke all the way out and the throttle out about 1/2 inch. Engage the starter and when it starts slowly push the choke in until the engine runs smoothly. If it's taking awhile for the engine to catch, pumping the gas pedal will help. After it runs a few minutes you can push both the choke and throttle knobs home. All of this if you have a mechanical fuel pump....If the engine is warm, this procedure is usually not necessary....
 
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Usually every car has its "sweet" start procedure--My 34 with 6volts and an Uncle Max rebuilt carb gets a couple little blips on the accelerator, about 1/2 or 3/4 choke and it become the quickest starting engine I have owned--I can not get my foot off the starter button quick enough--I have owned quite a few but no flathead Ford V8 since the first car in 1963--In the modern day with fuel injection they all seem to use the same procedure--Just turn the key--Good for my wife but not that much fun--
 
Really, it all comes down to conditions. IE: Ignition, Gas Supply, Crank speed, (batt supply, connections, wire/cable/switch health) Plug condition, cylinder pressure (valve and ring health) ambient temperature, and on.

Make notes, and try to optimize the things that you can. One trick I have always relied on is, nearing condition of flood, Open choke -No Choke- close throttle tightly, spin it over a few times. The turbulence created by the pistons sucking what they can't get will create a drying effect on the plugs. Try it, and try it again, you'll be surprised. I taught myself this trick in sixties and seventies, working AAA, rescuing early risers who felt Tune-ups were for sissies.:rolleyes: Also works on weed whackers and yard tractors!!

My mentor, when I learned Tractor trailer, used to tell me "know your equipment"
 
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Average Model A. Turn on gas valve under tank [handle down]. Key in on position, timing lever up, open choke one turn, pull choke lever out and engage foot starter. On starting push choke in, pull down timing lever to sweet spot { runs smooth] slowly turn choke to closed position. Enjoy
 
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