Insanely Dangerous or Genius? The Ford Model A fuel system, simple Henry Ford innovation

[@heavychevy7382]

Back when mechanics and engineers were one in the same. We need that again.

[@paulmanning8757]

Amen!

[@ModelA]

That is high praise! Thank you, brother!

[@brettmacdonald6777]

When Ford made the Taurus the engineers had mechanics help with the design for serviceability. - But how Ford did it is even more surprising. For the first time ever, the venerable carmaker changed how it made cars. It introduced a brand new cross-functional team approach, putting engineering and design together in the same room, and welcoming the contributions of employees across the organization.

[@jayoneill1533]

Paul, I’m so impressed that you paint your aftermarket oil filter, such a classy touch.

[@ModelA]

HahAaa!! Man, most people just make fun of me. Thanks brother!!

[@patmccarthy5069]

Great overview of the fuel system while having a cup of coffee. Thanks Model A Guy!

[@dwilliams8365]

Once again you explain everything so well- new members of our model a club are told to watch you to learn how to do maintenance etc

[@ModelA]

Awesome. Thank you! What club? I'll do a shout out!

[@patjohnson3100]

I bet all these filters were appreciated back in the day when you didn't know how much dirt might be going into your Model A tank from contaminated gas station tanks that didnt pump that much fuel. A big difference compared to today's high volume stations where the underground tanks are more leak resistant, and the gas is fresher from higher pumping volume. I have learned more from this channel than from any other Model A source. Thanks.

[@ModelA]

Thank you Pat!

[@nlpnt]

The gas pumps of this era pumped a gallon or so up at a time and stored them in a high, usually glass, holding tank before releasing the gas into the car; the glass tanks were introduced so that customers could see the gas.

[@mackfisher4487]

Paul elegant tutorial, I understand how you can go from broadcast engineer to announcer. If I didn't know better I would think you are using a studio speech synthesizer to speed up your presentation, but I know it's just one of God's gifts.

[@ModelA]

Hahaa! Thank you, brother! Well, you've seen it done. So the curtain is drawn back for you. But, sometimes the words are just given to me and all I have to do is keep up

[@vayabroder729]

These cars were so well engineered. Love the no nonsense and straightforward design. I just wish modern car designs shared that same ethos. I love my modern Lincoln but maintenance is a challenge; sometimes I believe it is planned obsolescence.

[@ModelA]

Agreed

[@craigpennington1251]

This is a fabulous system but when a Block Head uses that car, it's an explosion waiting to happen. That car is so cool. A real beauty that's actually drivable. Great video on what is & where it is. Thanks for posting.

[@christopherratliff7578]

I really liked how you showed us the fuel parts on the car and then in your hand. It made it so much clearer! Hey kinda like a filter??

[@Dan-qy1rg]

Nice job with the fuel system filters and delivery for the Model A. My 1963 tractor has the gas bowl with a screen and one at the carburetor. Thanks Paul, I hope you have a great weekend!

[@ModelA]

Thanks Dan!!

[@ModelAToo]

Sir Leaks-A-Lot.. I love it. I need to name my car...

[@ModelA]

as long as it doesn't become an idol, do it!

[@ModelAToo]

Going for a drive this morning. Thanks a lot Paul!

[@ModelA]

Drive it like you know how to fix it!! I'm watching your live stream replay this morning. Bummer you had to restart.

[@michaelrepetto669]

Another Great video Paul 👍 Thanks

[@ModelA]

Glad you enjoyed it Michael!

[@carmengianforte2501]

Paul, Here are the features of the Dec 28 Zenith carb. Upper casting venturi area on the GAV side has a raised "Z". The gas passageway has the stepped design. The lower casting on the GAV side has a prominent square boss, recessed Zenith on the bowl, nothing under the GAV area, undrilled dowel pin boss on the GAV side, boss with dowel pin on the engine side. Even if this carb does not have a double venturi this would not be unusual as these might have been changed and both will fit. If it is actually a double venturi carburetor the two jets in the lower casting will be aligned. The single venturi carbs have these two jets offset.

[@carmengianforte2501]

Hey Paul, Hope you and Tina are doing well. Thanks for the video on fuel systems. You peaked my interest when you held up a Zenith carburetor. From what I can see it is an early double venturi type. As you know these were used until early (April/ May) 1928. I am trying to put together a collection of all Model A carbs. There were about 15 Zenith and 24 Holley. Right now I have about 100 carbs (many duplicates), but still need several. One of the ones I need is a December 1927 Zenith. This is a Schmauch # Z2. The one you held up in your video may be a Z2. It looked like it had an undrilled dowel pin boss on the GAV side. I could not see the engine side of the carb. If it does have an installed dowel pin on the engine side then it could very well be a Z2. The upper casting has a stepped gas passageway which is also a feature of the Dec 1927 Z2. If this is in fact one of the carbs I need and you would be interested in selling it I would be interested in purchasing it. After all you can never be too rich or too thin or have too many Model A Carburetors!!! Regards Carmen

[@ModelA]

If you need that carb, I will not sell it to you, but I will give it to you. Drop me an email and I can send pictures to be sure. It doesn't have a double venturi inside it right now.

[@pablo4015]

En mi país Argentina,un fabricante (mochi) , hacía unos carburadores muy buenos para el modelo A,hace unos años un amigo me mandó un vídeo desde lo de Mike' mostrando la colección de carburadores de Ford A,y mi amigo le pregunta,cuál era el mejor? Y le responde el Mochi. Saludos

[@paulomiranda1717]

This system is timeless: I use a similar system on my VW Bug,the line is fed tru gravity from the tank,into the water separator ,into the electric fuel pump ,and on to a vertically mounted regular filter ,from there it goes to the carb(s).If the tank is full ,and the car level,it can feed the twin carbs by gravity, but not the single carb that sits higher.

[@ModelA]

I didn't know that. Neat!!

[@cool386vintagetechnology6]

The 1926-27 Model T has a very similar system, but interesting to learn it was further improved upon with the Model A, with extra filters in the carburettor. I sometimes think about the 10 gallons of fuel above my knees when I'm out driving - but statistically it's unlikely anything bad will happen.

[@ModelA]

You're right. Still safer than a motorcycle!

[@charlesdalton985]

And to be fair, the Jeep I used to drive was a 65. The gas tank was right under the driver's seat.

[@charlesgall7829]

Thank you for a concise , to the point tutorial. Better here than on the roadside for sure. Beautiful simplicity, words an engineer saying today would get fired for!! Even thinking!!

[@ModelA]

Glad it was helpful Charles!!

[@Kybossls]

The west coast sun shining on your A looked great. Fantastic educational gastronomy of the A fuel system. Simple times and simple repairs, that’s the reason to own a Model A, KY Ken with the indented 31 fuel tank.

[@ModelA]

Thanks Ken! My pickup has indented firewall too. That's why I have that sidebowl carb to show and tell.

[@williamforbes5826]

Gravity flow fuel systems with carburetors were in production vehicles up until recently. Hard to believe? Think motorcycles. But the EPA regs put an end to simplicity. The regulations required fine control of the fuel delivery and burn to reduce tailpipe emissions. Nice video Paul. Clear and concise. Easy to see and understand; even for the village idiot like me! 😆

[@ModelA]

You ain't no idiot, Forbes.

[@williamforbes5826]

@@ModelA But self deprecating humor can get a laugh! I'm looking for a kickstand relocation kit. I don't even want my motorcycle to lean Left!!

[@calsurflance5598]

@@williamforbes5826 Perfect! I love it!👌

[@ModelA]

Hahaaa! I'm gonna totally steal that line!!

[@williamforbes5826]

@@ModelA If you eat jellybeans Red White and Blue You can be President too!

[@jinxylad71]

In the UK Paul but love your content. Always very entertaining and instructive. We do have model A’s here, made in the Manchester factory. Very tempted!

[@ModelA]

Thanks for sharing! That would be pretty cool.

[@mattomon1045]

Paul great tips

[@ModelA]

Thanks Matt! You going to MAFFI Model A Days?

[@Wooley689]

I so enjoy these tech/info videos. Still searching for an A myself

[@ModelA]

Glad you like them! Have you checked in with a local club yet?

[@Wooley689]

@@ModelA Thanks. Have not found a local club yet.

[@charlesdalton985]

Outstanding as always. I write it every week and I mean it every week - thank you. God Bless, have a great week ~ Chuck

[@ModelA]

Thank you Chuck. God bless!!

[@robjahnke7161]

Interestingly, I have 5 Tillotson Carbs - Model X or XF. None of them have the filter on the gas inlet like yours does. Thanks for the tip on the Gas Cap. I have the one with the hole in the center. When I got the car, it would run for a couple of blocks and then quit. Guess what. That hole in the cap was plugged or not lined up. I drilled it out and the problem was fixed. But I like the one you showed much better. Thanks again for great video. Rob

[@ModelA]

Yea, good work Rob. Those cheapo repro ones do that often. They suck!

[@jerrydennany4737]

Great class for all of us.

[@ModelA]

Thanks Jerry! Looking forward to another ride in your coupe.

[@Alaska_Engineer]

I bought a 28 PU a few years ago and love it! I’m in remote Alaska and have been toying with ideas for modifying it to extend my “driving season”. I picked up an exhaust manifold heater, and thinking of knobby(ish) tires for snow. Could you do a video on appropriate upgrades?

[@ModelA]

Good job!! I tend to steer clear of "upgrades" except the ones I thing make the Model A safer for driving today.

[@ashleylewis1498]

I just bought my first restored 1930 model a tudor. I'm in love!! It was running but got water in the oil, the guy put a head gasket on an it didn't fix it. Can you give me any advice on where to go from here on fixing it or what you would do? Thank you an love the videos!!!

[@ModelA]

Start by pulling the head. Check the head and block for flatness. You need less than 0.002" deviation. Check for cracks. Assuming the head and block deck are flat and no cracks, then install a new copper head gasket. Skip the "composite" or graphite ones.

[@RAK402]

Outstanding!

[@donaldwiller9238]

Great video.

[@ModelA]

Thank you

[@mr_paw_t]

thanks for sharing!🔧

[@ModelA]

You bet Paul!

[@BillC-b2l]

Afternoon Paul!! Any chance you have a link or part number for that filter in the upper sediment bowl???

[@ModelA]

It's a Napa 3039. Wix 33039

[@20thCenturyManTrad]

The fuel system doesn't give me too much nerves. I hope I can get to a point where I can buy one as a daily driver (I have the ability to fix it, just don't currently have the money needed to buy at this current juncture, by next year maybe.) Thanks Paul for the very helpful advice, I intend to heed it, upon getting a model A. Hopefully being able to get it sorted quickly.

[@ModelA]

That would be excellent. Let me know if I can help.

[@20thCenturyManTrad]

@@ModelA Thank you very much. You can count on questions when the time comes.

[@matteo-r07]

Great video! They don’t make them like they used to, that’s for sure.

[@ModelA]

Yep

[@Peter-cy1nr]

My car a 30 Tudor lurches can you do a video on lurching? Thank you

[@ModelA]

Is it clutch chatter or does it need a tune up?

[@BlindTom61]

Up early, are we? Me too, in fabulous Ione.

[@ModelA]

I get up early every day. My autistic brain has a built in alarm clock

[@rynetakeuchi4382]

Maybe you could make a video on why my fuel shutoff valve keeps leaking after lapping it and changing the O ring. 😃👍🏽

[@ModelA]

OK, you talked me in to it. Coming soon to a smartphone near you...

[@charliefarrugia3181]

Paul can you please tell me how much pressure you need to push on the brake pedal to stop the car.my one I have to push like mad to stop is that normal..regard Charlie..

[@ModelA]

Hey Charlie. Although Model As do not have power assist brakes, when the brakes are in good order, you can lock all 4 wheels at any speed with around 60 pounds of pedal pressure. That sounds like a lot, but push on a bathroom scale with one foot sometime and see.

[@joeyseidensticker8709]

Hey Paul... I've got a quick question... I just purchased a 1930 Ford model a Tudor about 6 months ago.i bought an aftermarket market aluminum radiator with a screw on cap but without the cap. What rad cap do you recommend? I kinda like the flying Chicken.

[@ModelA]

Oh, dang. I have never played with an aluminum Model A radiator. I sure like the ones from Brassworks. Are they still around??

[@dinofalabrino8522]

Some people even go as far as to install a paper element (clear plastic housing ) right after the strainer.

[@ModelA]

Some do, yep!

[@robstephens]

Seems like the filters would be less prone to clogging back in the day if the mesh size was slightly larger in the sediment filter than the final carb filter. With the same size mesh, the sediment filter would trap all of the particles before the gas reaches the carb filter. Clogging would probably be rare with today's gas.

[@ModelA]

Correct. It's pretty rare, but it still happens! Look at the video I did on the mail truck a couple months ago.

[@thixon2011]

Do you have a rebuild able zenith you would sell or know where one is at? I have a 29 with some aftermarket carb made in Argentina

[@ModelA]

I'm out now. Looking for some old ones myself to rebuild now

[@thixon2011]

Thanks for the reply

[@kennethswain6313]

Genius !

[@edwardperryman5515]

Be😊BEAUTIFUL HELLO from HENRYVILLE INDIANA I have some Model A friends I turn on to your special show an they I love😊😊

[@ModelA]

Wow, thank you Edward!

[@edwardperryman5515]

@ModelA yes I'm now the go to at the carshow on the Model A Thank you and Model T

[@hotpuppy1]

My dad hated them. He did not like having the gas tank sitting over his lap.

[@lgude]

I wish you had addressed whatever is known about the dangers of an 'in your lap' fuel tank location - particularly because there is so much hoo haa right now over the dangers of EV battery fires. I grew up in the 50s when people were still driving Model As simply as used cars and remember a friend of my dad's, who was an exceptionally good mechanic, dying in one hitting a tree drunk. There was no fire. So the tank location may well have been safe enough.

[@ModelA]

I have gone over it in a previous video. This one showing how the system works wasn't the appropriate place to talk about possible death. But the tank location is far safer than behind the rear axle in a rear-ender. It all depends on the crash, sometimes the cowl tank is way safer!

[@EMax577]

unless you are going up a steep hill! My uncle had to drive up in reverse to get home.

[@ModelA]

That was only for the pre-1926 Model T's with the fuel tank under the seat.

[@rolandburisch9489]

I always worried about the location of the fuel tank. What happens if you have a serious accident? You get a ton of fuel all over yourself. The fuel gauge is actually a glass window on the dash with a quadrant indicator and you can actually SEE the fuel sloshing around. No thanks. And I see there appears to be a pipe from the exhaust manifold to the tank. What's that for? Do exhaust gasses pressurise the tank?

[@ModelA]

Hahaaa!! No, that's the vacuum line off the intake manifold to run the windshield wiper. The Model A fuel tank is still WAY safer that a motorcycle tank, or a rear mounter tank when another car hits you from behind. You'll be afraid to leave your house if you keep thinking like that!

[@deoharvey3891]

No fuel pump. Just one less thing to go wrong.

[@ModelA]

Absolutely

[@yonagwy5826]

All them filters and no air filters. Seems like it was hit and miss back then. I put a k&n on mine.

[@salvatorediprima2900]

Sir leaks-a-lot??? LOL

[@ModelA]

My shop floor named the car

[@salvatorediprima2900]

Paul & Model T, thanks for all the great videos. I own a ‘68 Mercury Cougar XR7 but have always loved the Model A.

[@calsurflance5598]

If they only built these again.🙏 Everything you need, nothing you don’t. Hope to see you guys at Iron Stone.👌

[@ModelA]

Agreed. Yep! We registered Roadie for Ironstone this time.

[@del-soul7160]

I thought we could drop another filter into the glass type? As I think you had once showed it fits perfectly under the flat washer screen ? Just curious

[@ModelA]

Yep. A Napa 3039 filter

[@jamesonpace726]

Why can't you talk any faster....

[@ModelA]

Haven't tried. It's called "confidence" in what you're sharing

[@jimmiller-vl4fk]

Thanks for the video

[@ModelA]

Our pleasure Jim!