Starting noise

[uk woodie]

Hi all, today i started the A as normal, however a loud clunk and the engine did not seem to turn over as smoothly from then on, engine runs fine, no noise or leaks, runs well, and starts ok just seems slightly less powerful, (could just be my imagination) took it on a 20 mile run no problems.

it is still on 6vlt. Any ideas? Thank you in advance.

 

[Mitch//pa]

Do you start it with the advance lever all the way up?

 

[uk woodie]

I start it with the lever down, I think it is on upside down as the light lever is at the top so yes I think its right..

 

[Mitch//pa]

I don't see how it can be upside down...

 

[fredski]

I start it with the lever down, I think it is on upside down as the light lever is at the top so yes I think its right..

If your light lever is at the top ,it's very unlikely your advance lever ,is opposite
as well. Can't be.

 

[CarlG]

You can actually clock your light switch any way you want it. That doesn't change the advance or throttle positions.

 

[uk woodie]

ok, so i need to start with the lever up, i will try that, would it have caused a clunk, or a bang?

 

[Dave in MN]

Yes. It very likely backfired against the starter drive and that is the noise you heard. Careful, this can cause severe damage.

The spark advance lever (left lever) should be all the way up when you start the engine. Lower the spark lever to advance the engine after it is running.

Good Day!

 

[Mitch//pa]

It can cause the starter to kick back... Always start in the retard / up position,, then move it down some .. Read through this owners manual

http://www.motormayhem.net/wp-uploads/2009/04/Model-A-Instruction-Manual.pdf

 

[uk woodie]

GREAT, thanks guys. (what damage could it cause, what should i check to make sure its not too late?) Thanks again.

 

[Bruce Adams]

When I RAISE / RETARD my lever, the unit in the distributor (plate) goes towards the right side of the car.
Lowering the lever/ Advancing it moves/ rotates it towards left side of car.

 

[Synchro909]

UKWOODY,
Does your name mean you are in the UK? If so, is your car RHD? If so, it is entirely possible that the advance lever does work the other way around.
On RHD cars, there is a bell crank mounted on a boss cast into the inlet manifold. If you connect the rods the wrong way 'round, advance is up and because one arm is longer than the other, you can't get full advance.

 

[Mitch//pa]

Here is woodies car L/HD

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

That's a nice looking woody.

 

[Synchro909]

Here is woodies car L/HD

OK, In that case, what I said doesn't apply and what you guys said, does.

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

I would pull the starter and check it for damage. The spring may have been bent from kickback or the shaft might be bent.

 

[tbirdtbird]

Agree

 

[uk woodie]

Thank you one and all very much.