1924 Model T Ford - First Start-Up | Reviving an Old Engine That's Been Sitting for YEARS!

[@philschaad6693]

Here are some helpful suggestions from an old ASE certified master technician who has driven Model T Ford's a very long time ago. First, you should check the oil level and fill the cooling system. If you can't find the dipstick, stop right there, you need to learn more about the Model T. (It doesn't have a dipstick) Then fill the fuel tank and check for leaks. Next, remove the sparkplugs and using your thumb, check for compression on each cylinder while someone else turns the motor with the crank. Do not use the starter. If no, or weak compression you probably have a valve stuck or partially stuck in that cylinder. If you have a stuck valve, there are things you can try to work it free. I won't address that here. Assuming that you have compression on all four cylinders, next, using a 6 volt battery only, put the ignition switch in the "Battery" position and turn the engine over very slowly with the crank to verify that all four coils buzz in the correct sequence. You can check the sparkplugs at the same time, just connect them to the sparkplug wires, leave the plugs lying on the cylinder head and look at the quality of the spark as you turn the engine slowly with the crank. Don't use the starter motor. If everything checks out OK install the sparkplugs and try to start the motor. If it doesn't start you have a carburetor or fuel delivery problem. Or in this case, after watching the video, I question that you know how to manipulate the spark, throttle, and choke and adjust the fuel mixture. Furthermore, never run the motor without coolant, even briefly. Just pour water in the radiator until it's full. When you're through, simply open the drain cock and let it run out. From what I saw, you likely have an issue with some of the coils or the low voltage distributor. (Yes, it DOES HAVE A DISTRIBUTOR, but it's on the front end of the motor and driven by the camshaft. It sends 6 volts to the proper coil box at the proper time.) And about those coils, 12 volts can damage them. If you use a 12 volt battery to crank the motor, put the ignition switch in the "MAGNETO" position only, not the "BATTERY" position.

[@PhillipBaird-ui9xw]

Czar w

[@donmcatee45]

I’d say you flooded it, I could still smell the raw gas way out here 2 years later! 😂😂😂 Fun video thank you!

[@IowaClassicCars]

Lol thanks

[@asteverino8569]

You know what a great specimen this T is? Be thankful.

[@IowaClassicCars]

Yes its a nice one

[@asteverino8569]

@@IowaClassicCars Indeed. I’ve seen much worse, restored to beauty.

[@oldskool1979]

Id daily drive that ! Screw the haters.

[@IowaClassicCars]

I would too but idk how realiable it would be haha

[@Jacy-dx6dx]

The haters.... You mean the long line of faster vehicles stuck behind you?

[@aaronfarr4753]

I only commute 5 miles to work in a city so in nice weather it would be my daily driver too.

[@MrsPuggyWggyHaASquareCutPunt]

@@Jacy-dx6dx faster is not needed for cars. aircraft yes

[@randyhenry2477]

I wouldn't want them around my Model T. Many reasons but a top one is that they have no concept of Ohms Law. When you double the volts across a load, you quadripple the watts that you are drawing through the load. They stressed the coils and starter motor big time.

[@IowaClassicCars]

I wouldnt work on one again, old obsolete design but at least we did it once

[@randyhenry2477]

@@IowaClassicCars it was still fun to watch. I had a Model A in high school in Black Hawk County.

[@jonoffensend7519]

Really enjoyed this video, I do hope you will find someone who has driven a T and take it out and drive it. One thing you will need is patience, T’s have a mind of their own . You might check your spark coils to be sure they are all buzzing. I currently have a 1924 T I’ve hade since 1970, bought it from the second owner who was 92. It is a pickup now and was a touring car but made into a pickup by the village blacksmith when it was 2 yrs old. I have had 4 other touring cars and a speedster they are made to enjoy 😄👍🎩

[@IowaClassicCars]

Thanks Jon, we will be driving it more!

[@filipponseele7346]

Use them or loose them Right?, Kind regards and a Happy new year from Belgium(blacksmith-daily T 1915 driver and a son crazy like a hatter about T too)

[@MortskeRepair]

Model T's never had a rumble seat option. Wasn't until 1928 with the Model A.

[@IowaClassicCars]

10-4 thanks, did not know that

[@MortskeRepair]

@@IowaClassicCars More useless information for ya. 1939 was the last year of that option as well.

[@ModelTTime]

A Model T is never really out of gear. The friction from the oil in the clutches will cause the wheels to spin. Put it on the floor and chalk the wheels so it won't run over you. As soon as it starts, put the timing in full advance (all the way down) and it will keep running.

[@RealSteelFabrications]

Pretty solid old car. Glad to see it back running.

[@IowaClassicCars]

Thanks man!

[@MortskeRepair]

OMG I love starters!!

[@IowaClassicCars]

Lol i know you do!

[@filipponseele7346]

Dont pull the spark all the way down Listen to your engine taking revs. Great to see you soldiering one. She will be great fun ones on the road again Happy New Year from Belgium(Daily 1915 T driver)

[@IowaClassicCars]

Thanks man

[@dombutler7685]

It's awesome that you got it running, thanks Ryan!

[@IowaClassicCars]

Thanks for watching Dom!

[@danstworzydlak4220]

Great job

[@manolitotibar4235]

that car was my childhood car i like to crank it to start that was my favorite part

[@lindamackwer4082]

The do-da is a love joy. Two parts identical with a rubber piece in between same has your steering joint but design differently.

[@dave5833]

Ryan I am so happy you are bringing this Old Gals back to life. Happy New Year to you and yours.

[@IowaClassicCars]

Thanks for watching Dave, same to you

[@betsy662]

Lets see, there was no need to actually pull the starter, if your not out of gear while the brake handle is all the way back, then you need to check where the handle engages the left pedal, the left pedal in the middle position, is neutral, pull the handle all the way back, and your wheel brakes would or should be engaged, your middle pedal is reverse, and can in an issue be used as the brake, your driving brake is the right pedal, it engages a drum inside the transmission, loved the video, I'm of course no expert on Model T's, but while I was growing up, my dad was a Model T collector, take a wild guess what I learned to drive in! As for pulling the starter, you really only needed to pull the starter drive, which you guys did eventually figure out, its under the floor boards!

[@IowaClassicCars]

The starter did have to come out, it was wedged in the flywheel and the motor was locked up. We couldnt even turn it by hand

[@betsy662]

@@IowaClassicCars Okay, evidently the starter was loose possibly, however, that wedge could have also probably been cured by pulling the starter drive, or bendix, either way, you got it going, good job there for sure!

[@JazzStrat781]

Awesome video Ryan, really enjoyed it. Best to you in the new year 👍

[@IowaClassicCars]

Thanks man same to you!

[@ronbunker5778]

I love hearing the Model T's run.

[@IowaClassicCars]

Yeah they do sound good

[@papagiorgio85]

Loved this one. Thank you 👍🏻

[@IowaClassicCars]

Glad you liked it!

[@hensleyshobbies-doug7761]

You can’t beat those old “T”s!

[@IowaClassicCars]

no you cant!

[@dalestewart5670]

Good to hear her running, enjoyed. Nice old t.

[@IowaClassicCars]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Dgriffis-u9d]

My grd father had a1924 model T, . My mother was 12 yrs old, 1924. They drove from dekalb, tx. To Carlsbad NM, to see the caverns. She said it was a little better than a wagon. Imy her youngest child, I just turned 80.

[@ronlynch7744]

You guys didn’t give up, got her running. 😎👍🇨🇦

[@IowaClassicCars]

Persistence!

[@trumpiekeith8531]

If you love Model Ts and are near Yuma, Arizona, take a 15 minute drive to the Cloud Museum in Bard, CA. He has a large number of the vehicles. The ones outside have patina and not operational. Cars in the buildings are all operational. I've never seen so many Ts in one place before. There's every model from truck to passenger car.

[@IowaClassicCars]

Nice thanks

[@davidkastin4240]

Great condition for og. Solid car. Love it. Finally a car older than me 😂

[@IowaClassicCars]

Haha older than all of us

[@stevenandrosemariejourney2582]

Beautiful car

[@IowaClassicCars]

Thanks steve

[@DougmMoney]

Just, a note, when the starter locks up, simply put the car in gear on the ground and rock it back and forth. The bendix will release from the flywheel and you will be good to go again. When starting the car mine usually likes two 1/4 turn pulls with the choke pulled and the key off. Then turn on the key and crank it to start. Yours sounded like it needed a bit more choke when it was just cranking without firing. Not too much choke but 1/4 turn of the crank while choking it. The coils need to be done by someone local who has a hand cranked coil tester or similar. Don't use a buzz box it will be worse than it is now. Plugs are available at most major parts companies. Champion X (#425) was the original. # 25 or 3095 Auolites will also work. The spark plug wires are copper wire and don't go bad like more modern cars do. I wouldn't worry about that at this point. Don't try and run modern wires on it, you will destroy the coils. Good Job on the progress you made.

[@IowaClassicCars]

Thanks Doug

[@jonoffensend7519]

This is a beautiful car, I am a model T lover and have a 1924 pickup I bought from the 2nd owner in 1968 ( he was 93) I don’t see how such a great car could just be kept and not used for so many years 👍🎩

[@IowaClassicCars]

Right on!

[@robertbak4108]

The trans pedal have a natural neutral position. One of the levers is stuck. The foot controls have springs to hold them in place

[@IowaClassicCars]

Thanks, we will look into it!

[@edwinbonnelljr1587]

Thankful you didn't have to hand crank it that's a bit have a great day man

[@IowaClassicCars]

Very thankful lol

[@edwinbonnelljr1587]

Very welcome anytime

[@edwinbonnelljr1587]

I remember doing that with an old tractor that my uncle had and it was a b**** to turn that thing over man it took us a half a day just to get this stupid thing to run

[@davidduncan6280]

This was fun to watch. Learning to start it. Kinda like young kids with a dial phone. There is nothing like hearing it start again for the first time! I myself am working on a 1932 Auburn and when she fired up the first time again. I was a kid in a candy store. Have fun with her but learn how to drive it first. Then take it out. Be careful of the 12v battery. It will burn things out. I have a 6v system go to tractor supply. Keep your battery charged and air in the tires :) have fun.

[@IowaClassicCars]

Glad you liked it

[@melmcclure3710]

But it’s a ford. Just kidding that old girl is in amazing condition for an original. Never a boring video with your channel keep the content coming I very much enjoy it. Happy new year Buddy.

[@IowaClassicCars]

Right on thanks Mel!

[@dave5833]

Thanks for another great Video, The Definition of insanity is to keen doing the same thing over and over. Happy New Year. Stay Safe.

[@IowaClassicCars]

Same to you!

[@error52]

One interesting detail about the carb - the choke button should also double as an adjustment for the air/fuel mix when you turn it around. I'm not sure it that feature is universal to all Ts, but keep it in mind for the next time you're starting it.

[@IowaClassicCars]

Nice thanks

[@scottgudell3635]

I just watched the video. To start a T you need the spark advance in full restated on the timing. That position is all the way to the top. You don’t touch it until the car starts. Once running you fully advance it. You should have had the throttle lever set to about half way to three quarters of the way on the accelerator. When you almost had it started but then nothing you should have given it more choke. If the starter bound up it was because you were playing with the spark advance. You can hurt the starter trying to start it with the spark advanced. Also, always start the car on Magneto, then turn ignition to Battery once the car is running. The transmission is a planetary transmission. It is never really out of gear. That’s why you jack up the rear drive wheel when you are starting for the first tim in a while. There is less drag on the motor so it spins freely. Thus it will start more easily. You almost had it started at the beginning of your video. If you knew how to manipulate the controls, you probably could have had her started in an hour. She was ready to go.

[@SoddingaboutSi]

Great when it runs on 4!

[@IowaClassicCars]

Lol absolutely

[@Chiaroscuro1991]

Was just thinking that you have the wheels jacked up. The clutch in a T is in the same oil as the engine. If it’s a little cold in your garage the clutch will grip a little and cause the rear axle to turn. It’s very common for a T to crawl forward after starting on a cold morning. Put the rear wheels down, pull the parking break back and put chocks on the rear wheels and start it again. Once the engine oil heats up the wheels will not turn with the weight of the car on them.

[@IowaClassicCars]

Thanks for the info

[@arthurbecker8081]

That is the greatest RYAN!

[@IowaClassicCars]

Thanks man! Glad you liked it

[@anthonyblake3156]

Really enjoyed this one, thanks!

[@IowaClassicCars]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kapekodbob]

This video just proves that anybody can get Henry's model T running ! LOL

[@IowaClassicCars]

Haha

[@tomsawyer247]

Even Ryan.

[@johnbehneman1546]

So inspirational

[@motorfreaknew]

Awesome! 😎😎 Happy New Year from northern Italy!

[@IowaClassicCars]

Thanks man same to you

[@raywilson800]

Cool. I enjoyed the video. Thanks for all your hard work

[@IowaClassicCars]

Thanks Ray

[@gerardhiggins1]

This was a great video, thanks Ryan. Can't believe that they put the gas tank under the seat lol.

[@IowaClassicCars]

I know, right?

[@АнтонВасильев-я4н]

Fine video, fine car! I would like to watch more videos about cars of that period.

[@toddtouchberry]

Check out our other Channel. Plywood Palace. 1920 model t and others coming soon

[@WilliamCarr-tn5qp]

Love that car

[@johnbehneman1546]

Great video Ryan

[@IowaClassicCars]

Thanks man

[@ChrisEbbrsen]

Check your capacitors in each coil. Spark may not be full charge. I learned thisfrom another channel and sounded logical. Reportedly those capacitors are tin foil and she may be spsrking but not full charge. Im just a casual observer. Thanks for great vidio! Enjoyed!😅

[@antoniodemagistris9836]

very fantastic my friend

[@IowaClassicCars]

Thanks for the visit

[@jongamber6985]

Cool , you guys are close.

[@tommyhuffaker9339]

My dad has a model t touring that he bought in the 60s. My job as a kid was to pull down the spark lever down as soon as it hit when he hand cranked it. About staying in gear I know that when you pull the break lever that the high-low pedal should move to neutral. Is that linkage hooked up or out of adjustment? Looks like a great car and would look great cleaned up and on the road again.

[@IowaClassicCars]

we will check that, thanks!

[@burt66669999]

Well done buddy !!!

[@IowaClassicCars]

Thanks man

[@howarddavis2193]

I agree with the Gentilman bellow sounds like you might have a coil that is not working . They are simple but it takes time to to understand thebugs of the indiviual cars

[@IowaClassicCars]

Thanks

[@jiffypaul]

Ryan and Marshall!! I really enjoyed the video. Could see how a vintage spark plug and starter looks like. I am surprised to see the build quality of those parts after almost 90 years. Great video! Thanks for sharing!

[@IowaClassicCars]

Thanks man!

[@jonathansparks3386]

The body and that front fender kinda reminds me of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

[@filipponseele7346]

It's realy not a bad thing she doesnt fire up right away because the oil(i hope you guys checked it) gets well splashed around wich is good.

[@pimpompoom93726]

19:00 sounds like a locomotive. I imagine it's not hitting on all cylinders, check your spark. If the Starter craps out, you have your crank! 😆😆😆😆😆😆

[@filipponseele7346]

Great video lads, , but adjust the carbneedle by turning it anticlockwise and then she will fire up right away. Henry made quality

[@IowaClassicCars]

Thanks!!

[@AndrewHCann]

Excellent video Guys :) also choke knob you need pull and turn to right clocwise then when motor starts smooth turn to left counterwise to smooth engine running perfectly sounds on to also! You know probably why gear and play with foot pedal too ! Cool old Model T Ford 1924 car in good condition too! Happy New Year 2022 ahead too!

[@IowaClassicCars]

Thanks man same to you

[@AndrewHCann]

@@IowaClassicCars welcome also check linkeage on transmission they may be disconnected!

[@RLstavista]

Almost about to turn 100 years old!

[@agems56]

Not bad on one cylinder!

[@cruddycornstalks]

you did better then some people ive watched work on model Ts. i would suggest dropping the float bowl on the carb its just one big bolt on the bottom. see how much dirt is in the carb.

[@IowaClassicCars]

Thanks man

[@cruddycornstalks]

@@IowaClassicCars if you want to ask questions more about it I'm going to be. Sending you an email about possible Collaborations if your interested

[@wackaircaftmechanic2312]

That "hand brake" is actually the go fast lever.

[@IowaClassicCars]

Thanks

[@racecar2933]

That was neat! I have a Harley Davidson that has an old magneto. It's a 1945, 1 of 1200(I believe) that was produced for civilian use during WW2. It's a 46 inch flathead and is a model 80. Basically the cheapest model made then. I could be wrong about what I just stated since I'm more interested in cars than Harleys, but the price was right so I couldn't pass it up. Would like to be corrected if anyone here KNOW'S that I am wrong about the information I have on it(don't correct me if you THINK you know). Keep them video's coming Ryan from Iowa classic cars lol

[@IowaClassicCars]

Thanks man!

[@nathangaming82075]

NEW SUBSCRIBER!!!

[@markosterman419]

LOL … starting up a restored model T is child’s play.

[@IowaClassicCars]

Lol well its not restored but ok

[@markosterman419]

That car was restored at some point. All you needed was to clean the timer and adjust the carburetor for a richer mixture to get that started.

[@vayabroder729]

I believe the spark advance lever needs to also be set up for start up and adjusted as soon as the motor starts.

[@IowaClassicCars]

Yes thats what we were trying to do

[@mafcawebmaster4237]

It's really hard on the starter when you're using a 12 volt battery. So go out and get a 6-volt battery now instead of risking any (further) damage to the starter or the wiring. Please?

[@IowaClassicCars]

The forums also said it would be fine to use a 12v. But yes now that its running we will get a 6v

[@DougmMoney]

@@IowaClassicCars 12 volt works fine until it breaks the bendix.

[@randall1959]

Acetone works really good for plugs

[@sandyhansen]

Awesome job!! Great car. What does your friend have on his garage floor. My hubby needs that! Thanks

[@johnbehneman1546]

100!years Old

[@josejimenez-yc6ou]

Nice is that for sale and was it worth

[@victorcaporosso1752]

Sounds like you are running on one or two cylinders check compression and coils

[@IowaClassicCars]

Hmmm okay thanks

[@Mercmad]

Did the exhaust happen to be plugged up? I lost count years ago of the numbers of car I have gotten running for collectors where the md wasps have built nests up the tail pipe. The way it seeme dead but would fire is always a red flag to me.

[@IowaClassicCars]

No thankfully it was not plugged

[@sangkang6294]

I gather if you spill some fuel filling and smoked while driving, it's a bon fire on wheel...

[@brian64ss55]

Great car. I hope it doesn't get hot-rodded.

[@IowaClassicCars]

oh no it wont

[@waynebrown5428]

The only stupid one is the one who don't try. Well done guys. Could you imagine trying to start one of those in the winter to go to town?

[@IowaClassicCars]

Thanks man and people back then were alot tougher!

[@normanash8910]

should the oil have been checked

[@IowaClassicCars]

we did

[@HenryBLeeNYC]

That's what I wondered. I"m not sure I'd like having these guys touching my car.

[@IowaClassicCars]

@@HenryBLeeNYC well we wouldnt work on yours so its all good lol we checked the oil, but there is absolutely no reason to film the most basic things

[@HenryBLeeNYC]

@@IowaClassicCars oops, sorry I missed your other reply regarding the oil. Sorry about the negative comment- I love your videos!

[@IowaClassicCars]

@@HenryBLeeNYC no issue, i have a lot of people leave nasty comments about basic things....there is just no reason to film that stuff. but if you would like to see it filmed, i can definitely do that. thanks for watching, and sorry i took your comment out of context.

[@richardbullock9552]

stuck clutch?

[@IowaClassicCars]

its definitely a possibility

[@howardgarrett4104]

Can’t believe you’ll did put oil in cylinders to build complexion

[@genemorgan7325]

U broke the starter with the batt. Twice the volts

[@IowaClassicCars]

Hm that does make sense. But nothing broke, it just got wedged in the flywheel teeth

[@MrPutzdad]

Nice Ford coupe video. The kid has no patience tho. 🙄

[@IowaClassicCars]

Spent 4 hrs on it, id say thats patience lol and took that starter apart and back in/out about 3 times. We tried our best with no beforehand knowledge of these. Thats how you learn right?

[@boevatt9152]

I don't think the plug gap supposed to look like that

[@DougmMoney]

On a model T the side electrode should bend up like that. Not go underneath the center electrode.

[@jerrylobdell3022]

👍👍

[@Dgriffis-u9d]

It sounds like you might have a valve problem. It h been sixty years since I drove a T model.

[@michaelszczys8316]

If it's been sitting for years I just hope they seriously lubed everything up before attempting to run it.

[@christopherbradley4829]

You need to adjust the mixture on the carb

[@mechanic72]

12 volts probably fried the coils

[@glenkerns1714]

I think it's called a runabout.

[@cameronfane1]

just let car run gys

[@4doorsupra153]

That r34 tho 😦

[@IowaClassicCars]

Its paul walkers from fast 4 btw lol

[@4doorsupra153]

@@IowaClassicCars that's awesome!

[@Chiaroscuro1991]

Not what I would call a barn find … just a dusty restored model T that needs some adjusting. These are very easy to tweak back into reliable running condition. I drive mine 100 miles a week.

[@IowaClassicCars]

it was fun to work on though

[@Chiaroscuro1991]

Absolutely. You know you can take those plugs apart and really clean them up. Just takes two wrenches. I clean the plugs, coil points and timer every three months of driving. Makes a big difference in starting … and hill climbing.

[@stephenbeecher7545]

Isn't the model T a 6volt positive ground? You said negative ground. Edit: You are right, model T was negative ground; then ford went to the positive ground with the Model A in 1928.

[@IowaClassicCars]

Yep lol before we even hooked it up, i made sure to check the forums on that question

[@Mr.mopar71]

I understand this is 2yrs old but there's a process. Retard the timing, some throttle and choke. When it fires you advance it a little at a time and open choke and close the throttle.

[@grabasandwich]

Something's up with the video. It's like the screen jumps slightly every 5-10 seconds but only when you're moving the camera around. Anyone else notice?

[@IowaClassicCars]

Hmm, refresh it maybr

[@danswartwood4580]

NYCE RYDE RYAN

[@IowaClassicCars]

Thanks Dan!

[@UpVoltageOverclocking]

It was running but not on all cylinder

[@dalegirard8453]

Its timing

[@williamswirsky6834]

Its not running on all 4 cylinders. change the plugs and do a compression test,,

[@AD-on3zx]

1925?