How to Start a MODEL A

A frequent question by new owners is "How do I start this thing?". The following is a direct quote from the Model A instruction manual that was provided with every new Model A.  I find it interesting that it mentions nothing about turning on the gas at the valve under the dash. Obviously this has to be one of the first steps.  By the way on the original valves, the handle in the vertical position is 'ON'.  Always check the oil and water (gas too, grin)prior to starting.  I would also like to say that in my opinion when starting a cold engine, don't choke the engine for more than a couple revolutions. If held open as described below, you run the risk of flooding the engine.  Also the ignition switch described below is the original style 'pop-out' switch.  When opening the carburetor adjusting valve, lightly seat the valve by turning clockwise until it stops, then open one full turn. THIS APPLIES TO A MODEL A THAT HAS BEEN RUN RECENTLY. IF THE ENGINE HAS NOT RUN IN LONG TIME, DON'T START IT UNTILL YOU ARE SURE THE ENGINE HAS BEEN TAKEN OUT OF 'MOTH BALLS' Before Starting the Engine Be sure the gear shift lever is in neutral position, i. e.,the position in which it can be moved freely from side to side. Advance the throttle lever located under the steering wheel (right hand side) about three notches, or until the accelerator pedal moves slightly downward. Pulling down the throttle lever or pressing on the accelerator pedal, controls the quantity of gas entering the cylinders, and regulates the speed of the engine. Place the spark lever (left hand) at the top of the quadrant (the notched quarter-circle on which the lever is operated). This is the retard position. The spark lever regulates the timing of the spark which explodes the gas in the cylinders. Always retard the spark lever when starting your car. Starting the engine with the spark advanced may cause the engine to kick back, and damage the starter parts. After the engine is started, advance the spark lever about half way down the quadrant. Theft Proof Lock The Ford type electro-lock used in the ignition switch is a combination switch and theft proof lock affording full protection for the car and meeting the exacting requirements of the underwriters as regards theft insurance. To unlock the electro-lock, simply insert the switch key into the ignition switch and turn the key to the right. This releases the cylinder of the lock which snaps forward and closes the ignition circuit. When the cylinder is released the engine can be started in the usual manner, and the switch key withdrawn from the lock. To shut off the engine, push in on the cylinder of the lock until it snaps back in the lock position. Be sure that it stays in. This shuts off the ignition and locks the car. Starting the Engine 1. Release the lock cylinder by turning the switch key to the right as described on Page 6. 2. See that the spark lever is retarded; the throttle lever advanced three or four notches on the quadrant and the gear shift lever in neutral position. 3. If the engine is cold,turn the carburetor adjusting rod one full turn to the left to give it a richer mixture for starting. This rod serves both as a choke for starting and as an enriching adjustment. Next pull back the rod, at the same time pressing down on the starter button with your foot. The instant the engine starts, withdraw your foot from the starter button and release the choke rod, next advance the spark lever about half way down the quadrant. When the engine warms up, turn the adjusting rod back to the right. Never drive continuously with adjusting rod more than 1/4 turn open. (See Adjustment of Carburetor, Page 24.) When starting a warm engine, do not pull back the choke unless the engine fails to start on the normal mixture as there is a possibility of flooding the engine with an over rich mixture of gas. If you should by accident flood the engine, open the throttle and with the choke rod in normal position, turn the engine over a few times to exhaust the rich gas.