Topic: starting an old engine

[tattoodaddy1967]

Before the age of engine management computers and fuel injection there were points-type ignitions and carburetors. They worked, but only because the people operating the cars knew how to get them to work. When it comes to running engines the only things old cars have in common with new ones is that they all need spark and fuel delivery. Getting a new one started is the result of a complicated series of electronics interactions, while starting an old one is dependent on what the temperature is and how well tuned the ignition might be.

If you've never started an old car - particularly one with a 6-volt electrical system - you need to realize that just turning the key (or pushing the Start button) won't get the engine running. All it will do, especially if it's cold, is crank away until the battery gets drained and you need a jump-start. Instead, you need to set the choke to allow the engine to suck in lots of raw gas so some of the vapor will ignite.

Chokes came in two types: manual and automatic. If your car has a choke knob, pull it out to close the "butterfly" valve on the carburetor (this limits air intake, thus allowing a far greater fuel-to-air ratio). If the choke is an automatic type, one or two strokes on the gas pedal will set it.

Assuming the ignition is up to par you can now hit the starter. With your foot pushing the gas pedal down about ¼ of the way, crank the engine until it fires. It will usually start running, but rather rough. As you give it some gas you can slowly push in the choke knob until the engine smoothes out. Automatic chokes use thermostatic springs to accomplish this operation but you have to gently move the gas pedal to allow the linkage to operate.

Once the engine runs reasonably smooth you can start to drive, but you will find that the engine doesn't develop much power initially. It will also stall at a stop if it's not up to temperature, and as it warms up you need to keep compensating by pushing the choke knob in. Otherwise, you will run the engine too "rich," causing black smoke and poor fuel economy.

This whole operation takes a certain amount of time. On a 50-degree day, for instance, the car won't operate normally for at least 5 minutes of driving. On colder days you might spend 10-15 minutes "nursing" the car until it warms up to normal operating temperature.

Sounds complicated, doesn't it? By today's standards it is, but to millions and millions of drivers this was second nature for well over 80 years. The whole procedure might seem quaint and old-fashioned, but how many of today's young car thieves would ever be able to heist your '54 Ford? They'd never figure out how to start it!

[ezrat]

I still subscribe to the KISS theory, Keep it simple stupid. Old school engines can
be brought to life with a few simple steps. fuel, compression, timing, & spark.
Sensors and computors take alot of the fun out and add frustration & $$$$$.
Keep it fun!!!!!

[RaTaTat]

I still subscribe to the KISS theory, Keep it simple stupid. Old school engines can
be brought to life with a few simple steps. fuel, compression, timing, & spark.
Sensors and computors take alot of the fun out and add frustration & $$$$$.
Keep it fun!!!!!

I can count the parts under the hood of my car on my fingers, thats why I enjoy working on it

[Greybeards Customs]

good info !

[tattoodaddy1967]

I like it simple too, but, I ain't above a Petronix. Hard to find matchbooks anymore...lol...have to use business cards to set points nowadays....

[hotwheels]

One thing i would recommend from my experience, if you find a vehicle with an old motor in it and it's all there. Take a wrench or what ever tool you need and check to see if the engine will turn over. If the engine will turn over by hand (wrench), stop there, change the motor oil and check the anti freeze level in the radiator. Once those items are complete, the steps above can be performed. (hopefully the inside of the motor isn't filled with dirt and muck after years of sitting in a field.)

[tattoodaddy1967]

VERY true

[RodNResto]

Also remember that if you get yourself a Barn find or any car that has been sitting for a long period in time, the fuel will have degraded in the tank and carby bowl. Sometimes it's a good idea to flush the system with clean fuel.

Sometimes the needle will stick in the carby and a slight tap on the bowl with a screwdriver handle will free it (But not always)

Have a quick look over the electrical wires and make sure none of them have lost the insulation and contacting the body/chassis. It's a simple check that will help to avoid and nasty surprises. And remember, if you have no earth you have no circuit so check and clean as required.

Hope that helps some people who are not up with the fine old toys

[obama]

When there is no fuel tank, or pump, or I don't trust either to give good gas now, I hook up a small lawn mower fuel tank with an electric fuel pump right to the carb. This way I know it's getting fuel now, when I need it, and I can go on to look for other problems. I attach with a bunge cord, and run the wires right to the battery so I can stop at any time. Have used this system more than once, and makes it easy.

[Kenney]

Man I really miss those those days. I guess I will just have to keep my old junk!! LoL

[tattoodaddy1967]

Man I really miss those those days. I guess I will just have to keep my old junk!! LoL

It ain't junk...it's treasure