Two Problems

johnr9q@yahoo.com

johnr9q@yahoo.com

Senior Member
As you know, I just got this car (see my previous post) And the first thing is, I want to get it running. I try to put it into neutral but it wont shift. The shifter moves a little bit but doesn't shift. What should I do? Other problem, put in the new battery and the starter turns but won't engage the flywheel. What should I do?
 
The top of the transmission can be unbolted and the "fingers" examined separate to be sure they are moving the gears.

Then the gears can be moved by carefully sticking one's fingers in - or a large screwdriver.

Before attempting to start REPLACE the top of the transmission lest you transfer gear oil in a line above your head and all over the inside of your cab/seat.

As to the starter, if it's turning, the starting gear SHOULD move by stationary inertia which will bring it in contact with the ring gear. Which will turn the flywheel.

Removing the starter will bring it to your hand where you can check the free motion of the starter gear/spiral. You can even use the battery to check. You can even use a 12V battery for a short test (careful to restrain the starter against "taking off" to injury.)

I suspect something is rusted/hung up. It could even be thick grease holding it up. You want to use no more than 30W oil to lubricate the gear and spiral.

Joe K
 
Try to find a local Model A Club near you. You can deal with everything you are finding, but you need some in-person guidance.

Les Andrews's "red book" and "blue book" are also helpful. One is your Mechanics Handbook and the other is your Troubleshooting & Diagnostics guide.

These books are available from a number of sources. Here's one:
https://mafca.store/collections/publications

You will need to pull the starter to see why the drive is not engaging. For a car that has been sitting for a long time, it's probably rust on the starter drive mechanism.

The transmission not shifting is also possibly rust. Was this car ever submerged in water, due to a flood? You will have to remove the top cover off of the transmission and investigate.
 
First problem solved. Hooked the Model a to the Tesla and pulled it a few inches and now the trans is free.

Jim/GA. Am I taking to much advantage of this forum? I am a member of my local club and have gotten help from them, especially Fuzzy. Before I ask a question herein I try to find a video or look thru my books but when I can't quickly find an answer, I ask herein. Is that a problem?
 
johnr9q@yahoo.com said:
First problem solved. Hooked the Model a to the Tesla and pulled it a few inches and now the trans is free.

Jim/GA. Am I taking to much advantage of this forum? I am a member of my local club and have gotten help from them, especially Fuzzy. Before I ask a question herein I try to find a video or look thru my books but when I can't quickly find an answer, I ask herein. Is that a problem?
Click to expand...
Not a problem at all!

We are always happy to help. I was just thinking that having a local expert nearby to work alongside with you for a few hours could speed your learning along quite a bit. It would still be you learning by you doing, but under the watchful eye of somebody who can guide you.

Keep plugging along. You’ll be an expert here in no time.
 
You should not lube the starter bendix. If you are tempted use some light penetrating oil.
Where do you reside?
 
After sitting for a while it is common for the clutch to be stuck. I am assuming that you pushed the clutch peddle all the way down when you tried to shift it into neutral. If the clutch is stuck then it would be hard to get it to move to neutral. Besides pulling it a few inches, turning the engine over, forward or reverse, should free up the gear shift.

You should take the starter out and see if the Bendix is missing the bolt that attaches it to the starter shaft, or if there is another problem with the Bendix. Or if the ring gear is missing some teeth.
 
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