Old Ford Brutal Cold Starts -30

Cold starting my 1966 Ford Thunderbird Town Landau and 1975 Ford F-250 4x4.

[@jimfinigan1681]

That Ford "cold whine" brought back memories. I had a 66 F-150 that would do that even when it wasn't cold out. I love those cold-blooded Fords!

[@lovetocrank]

I loved the sound of the cranking in 60’s Ford trucks when they were hard to start! Loved the ignition in the dash too!

[@dakotabever3772]

In a way your voice reminds me of vice grip garage. That's not a bad thing. He's hella freaking awesome. I love that guy. Derek cracks me up when I'm depressed. He saves an fixes a bunch of old cars

[@TheFRiNgEguitars]

I'm amazed by the many people commenting who do not know how to start a carbureted engine with an automatic choke. Procedure in EVERY operator manual, a carbureted engine with auto choke: 1) Normal cold start above 32F, pump 1X to set the auto choke, if the choke is operating properly, it'll fire up immediately 2) Extreme cold start pump 3x (not like a maniac) WAIT 5 seconds, (gas vaporizes) turn key, should start first try, and fast idle. 3) Warm start. Never pump the pedal as this will flood the engine 4) Exceptions: pumping the pedal on Fuel injected engines makes no difference. (this system has a fuel enrichment system, no mechanical accelerator pump and no choke)

[@garlitzhyperformancegarage8818]

Cool, those thunderbirds are Ford's works of art, I like their bulging body lines!

[@DavidRLocke]

The old points-n-plugs/carbureted systems worked, but required constant maintenance and tweaking. One morning a number of years back my 2000 Honda wouldn't start, because I had put off battery replacement. It was -25°F that morning, and I had somewhere I had to be. I walked over to my '68 Jeep Wagoneer thinking "oh what the hell..." --it hadn't been run in several months...I had to use both thumbs to push the door latch to open, and the door screamed on its hinges like pulling nails. I slid in on a cold, rock-hard bench seat, stuck the key in. Flapped the pedal a couple of times. And expected to say afterwards that at least I tried. After 3 compression strokes the thing scared the hell out of me by simply roaring to life and settling in at a high idle. Yes, I was doing the necessary work over the years to keep that old girl going, and that work paid off.

[@SuperKONR]

On what planet do carbs and points require "constant maintenance and tweaking" ? Check the dwell once a year and you're good to go.

[@DavidRLocke]

Mine. :)

[@TymphaRedbreaduwuowo]

sounds like you put more work and care into the jeep than to your honda. that is why.

[@Beng177]

the point of the story.

[@eddietavaresjr.4773]

David Locke Nice work

[@xhefriguitars7946]

Missoula County! Grew up here. Stories I could tell about cold starting!!!!

[@eddietavaresjr.4773]

I love the 1975 Ford F - 250 4×4 with the plow it is awesome havent seen one in years

[@Shoeman72719]

Loved the pumping of the gas pedal

[@Tonyjoey693]

when he said "oh yeah, she almost" . I guess he had a car sex thought 😂

[@tihuavanero]

@LAFOLLETTER if u didn't know that in modern cars u cant do that. On old cars u can because it give more Fuel to carburetor and starts better so its not going to broke from it.

[@tihuavanero]

@LAFOLLETTER its not broken when u bumb gas its works same as choke

[@jimfinigan1681]

You just have to be careful not to flood it.

[@dittybur]

love these older cars just love them

[@PunchyAirplane]

I used to have a 84 crownvic with a 351. It had a terrible carb that would always flood in summer, but it would start every damn winter morning. Need another beater like that

[@coreyboo199]

Sounds like that ol' thing was running PHAT and happy

[@billyfoster3223]

I'm not surprised it started!😁

[@naturefunwjasown4267]

Damn, you are taking a far step in starting an old beast like that in cold weather.

[@timothyteerman9297]

Love your videos

[@jteamaz]

Those old Fords are notoriously cold blooded ...

[@jeffreyremmel4176]

My mother had the same 66 Thunderbird...It was a beautiful car. White with a Burgundy interior. I remember it well. From the pulls for turning on the windshield wipers, to the hydraulic fluid speedometer. Unfortunately the car rusted out from the salty roads living in Connecticut. In 1975, only 9 years old she ended up selling it to her garbage man for $175.00. The dealer where she purchased her new car didn't even want it. Terrible shame...

[@bonza007]

Thanks for reminding me why I moved to Australia. After you get the car started, you have to shovel the F((o0&*king driveway.

[@JDRTRM]

Australia!? Boring simple little easy life you want to live ...😏😆

[@a_common_weeb]

tape your shovel to the car easy

[@mikeallmon1]

I remember these days growing up in illinois. our new 1973 Plymouth Fury 3 sports suburban Station wagon 400 BB need a serious dirty talking to to start in the crappy mid west winters. (I was in first grade then) but holy cow!!! nothing wanted to start back then. yayyyy for fuel injection!

[@WymiataczPlays]

um, my uncle's (now mine) carbureted Fiat Uno '94 used to start within first crankshaft spins in -36*C when I was a kid, making it stay running for the first 1-2 minutes was a hassle though, on full choke it had like 3000+ rpm (no tach, no idea) so it was a no go to torture a frozen motor like that, and with the choke half out it was constantly trying to stall and it was necessary to pump the gas while it was actually running ;) but still, it started damn well, properly adjusted carb and ignition do wonders believe me.

[@discerningmind]

The T-Bird amazed me.

[@hflivares1824]

You have a pretty good battery!!!

Your '66 T-Bird sounds awesome. :)

[@oppok5657]

Pump up the gas Pump it up While your thing is cranking And the gas is pumping Look ahead the sparks are jumping Pump it up a little more get your engine revving on the track floor Go seek the race ahead and you'll find out if you're too cold I don't want. No rpms Get your tires on the floor tonight Sorry. I just had to do it

[@thevandal4518]

The 250 and people say there is no beauty left on earth

[@txbootguy1]

Wow, the old T Bird was reluctant. I miss a lot about living in Montana, but not the -20 -30 cold that occasionally shows up.

[@thewayv9300]

Booted Guy01 I love it

[@TheFRiNgEguitars]

That poor Thunderbird, she was force-fed raw fuel and started anyway. A working choke would need a few pumps to set it, plus a little extra raw fuel, but atomizes gasoline as the engine cranks. Not a good idea to subject that nice 390 to that kind of abuse... (you washed the oil off the cylinders) they're such good engines. FIX that choke brother !!!!

[@wranglersnmt]

It wasn't flooded at all, with out pumping it like that it's not going to fire period.....i've tried. Yeah a choke would do wonders for cold starting it. As you can see with the cold start of the F-250 next to it with a functioning choke a few pumps and it was off.

[@TheFRiNgEguitars]

Didn't say it was flooded my good man, (but it actually was to a point .. explained below) and yes I do fully understand you have to pump the hell out of it to get it going (you probably know most of this to follow, but will outline anyway, please bear with me) Raw gasoline does not fire. I'm kinda going the long route here just to make a fairly simple point, the normal three pumps for cold start below 32F with properly working choke is not the same as pumping 30 times without a choke. Here's an important point and reason why: (see also my other post) First of all for reference, here is the (textbook) Cold Start Procedure for any engine with an auto-choke, Above 32F Pump 1x to set the choke, take foot OFF the pedal, Wait 5 seconds, turn key Below 32F Pump 1x to set the choke, plus another 2 to 3 pumps, foot OFF the pedal, Wait 5 to 10 seconds, turn key, engine starts right up and fast idles. The engine should not stall. That pause is important, and written in just about every operating manual. (but largely ignored) The wait allows gasoline to partially vaporize in the manifold. The "front end" molecules are what gets you started. (kind of like ether) AS the engine cranks, the choked carb inlet additionally ATOMIZES gasoline from the carb idle jet plus air/fuel enrichment. The engine needs atomized fuel to start and run. Raw gasoline again, does not fire. Gasoline vaporizes very rapidly when not in a closed container. Raw gas will vaporize in the intake manifold but only to the point the vapor exerts "vapor pressure" on the liquid. At that point the raw gas stops vaporizing. If we have too much raw gas, the raw gas overwhelms the vapor, engine kicks but does not start. (((the 3x pump and a choke is far lower amount of raw gas, the right amount to vaporize and start the engine))) As more raw gas is pumped, and the engine cranks, the air stream tends to purge the excess raw gas.. vaporization resumes, engine almost starts or stalls. So you see... a cold engine DOES flood. Too much raw gas works against itself. Engine does not fire on raw gas, but then purges it, tries to start on remaining vapors and quickly "runs out of gas".. There is insufficient atomized gas from a choke-less carb to cold start an engine. And we keep cranking and cranking until it pops and fires a little.. we have some heat on the piston crown to help increase the rate of vaporization in the combustion chamber.. finally the engine may start. (hoping this isn't too confusing) Raw gasoline can very often flood a cold engine, wet the plugs, wash oil off the cylinders. (can cause compression loss by lubrication loss, making matters worse, an engine harder to start) again, pumping the hell out of it works against itself to get it started....eventually may start but a hard start. In some cases all the pumping in the world will not get a choke-less engine started.. fouled plugs, temporary compression loss, etc. The 390 is a good engine, One of Ford's best engines, and she started against the odds. (Fix the Choke, my friend). How important is that little choke? It can save your engine. peace out...

[@JuniorFan08]

I couldn't watch the whole thing. The abuse that poor T-bird suffered was just too much.

[@tonyd9455]

@@TheFRiNgEguitars blah, blah, blah, blah, blah

[@billyfoster3223]

Can you guys agree on anything?! Sheeeze!😁

[@vaughndelay6190]

Ford Thunderbird was like "ALRIGHT ALRIGHT FINE! I'm up! Where are we going anyway!?" *The guy who started it* "oh no we aren't going anywhere actually. I was just making a video."

[@JDRTRM]

The cold will do it. I have a 77 Ford F-150 4x4 with a 400m 6.6 , orange with egg shell white center 2 tone I drive Dailey and an antique Cadillac . Caddy sits in winter but fired up 1once every 2 weeks . Truck fires right up in -40f when it does get that cold , but I do drive it everyday. Maybe I should make a video .?! Maybe I should make a video with all the engines I start on a regular basis ... nice vehicles by the way !

[@auaiao9]

Nice seats in the T Bird

[@eddietavaresjr.4773]

auaiao9 i agree

[@davidcampbell1899]

My dad had a few 1960s Galaxie 500 cars with 390 in them and they would even start not plugged in a -40F (Canada)

[@brentwalters8921]

My dad had a 66 Ford with a 240-6 years ago, started easier in cold weather. Give it about 1/4" choke and it fired right up. Took 1/2 a hour to get the cab warm though, all metal. It ate starters though, but at least they were easy to change.

[@dj33036]

There were four engines available the the 66 T=Bird. 390, 427, 428, and 429. The 390 being the most common.

[@mrblack6467]

I wouldn't have attempted to start the T-bird if it didn't need to start. Now the cyl walls are washed down with gas. The oil is contaminated with gas. Not bringing it up to operating temp and driving it just caused undue wear just to see if it would start.

[@HowardJrFord]

Right on

[@dmaster92289]

LOL 😂

[@aidencruthirds5005]

Nobody asked lol

[@WymiataczPlays]

hello, could I use a part your video for my compilation? of course I put a link to your original video in the description :) lovely pair of machinery - i LOVE the interior on the bird!!

[@wranglersnmt]

Sure!

[@nuil501]

Wow! So difficult! I guess, didn't these carbureted cars have bi-metalic parts to automatically enrich the mix for cold start? Thanks for sharing;

[@douglassopa2544]

your steps in da snow tell us how cold it is. i like the smell of cold fe exhaust,

[@joserafaelgrangefuenmayor9238]

Me gusta el Ford Thunderbird 1966

[@tommyb.6064]

If you need to pump your car like that, it means that your acceleration pump, the jet of gas that are sprayed when the pedal is pressed, isn't working. I have an old 84 dodge b250 in Montreal, Quebec and last winter, sometimes, without touching the gas pedal, just a crank on -25 f (-30c), maybe just one tap to engage the choke and it would start quite easily. Carb engines shouldn't be hard to start on those cold temps when in good shape, and well used.

[@TeeroyHammermill]

The truck started ok. He said the choke doesn't work on the Falcon.

[@wyattthecollisionapprentic3977]

i dont think the falcon has a choke at all, ie four barrel with deleted choke plate, which would make since on a 390 that you wanna go fast with lmao, but the accelerator pump on this thing is defintely juiced

[@Necronomous]

Well, my old Volvo 244 GL 1980 started in -20 degrees. Indeed it had a manual choke tho. But because of automatic, it was disgusting driving when cold. Even the cops went after me once, because it started to spin on the ice in front of their eyes. But they did not stop me because the car went warm and I could put the choke in. But yeah, the Stromberg/Zenith carburators was in a league for them selves. The first one went caputt. The second one, even if newrenovated, well...my car took about 2 litres of gasoline. No matter if you drove it in town, nor the highway. Yet I turned it in to people who could fix the carburator right and stuff. But I miss the ol' bastard indeed. It was almost 10 years ago I left away that Volvo. It was strong though. Darn I could hit the break and do burnout with it on dry asfalt, even if everything was original. They told me: "That is impossible. That car should not have enough strength to do so because of the engine." So I guess, something was extra ordinary wrong with it. But that car indeed accelrated better then my 110 hp direct infueled Volvo 740 I bought after that car. And the 244 only should have 90 hp with manual shifthouse. When automatic shifting house it would have 10-13 hp less.

[@mrbakerskatz]

Pretty nice old Ranger you have there

[@billyfoster3223]

I'd rather have the Thunderbird than my 2000 LeSabre! At I could fix the T Bird!😁

[@ThrottleResponse]

I'm surprised either of them started at that temp. Running thinner oil or no? Great to see you're doing ok bud :-). That Thunderbird has one funky dashboard!

[@brycewaltonsphotography3969]

I agree on the dashboard, Don't think I ever seen one like that. Pretty cool looking...

[@jacrispyforpresident5736]

Half the reason the thunderbird didn't start is because you primed the fuck out of it and probably flooded the carb. No choke doesn't mean pump the fuck out of the damn thing lol

[@wranglersnmt]

Negative, it wasn't at all flooded. If you don't pump the gas like a lunatic in those temps it simply will not start ever. Other options for starting it in those temps are pouring a good amount of fuel straight down the carb or spraying starting fluid.

[@stelthy100]

nice bird

[@JRobert111111]

Those are neat old vehicles, especially the T-Bird. Why no choke? Automatic chokes are so simple to repair and adjust. I have no idea why folks love to convert to manual chokes when autos. are not hard to work with.

[@Garwood900]

In my 60 + yrs. on the planet, I've had both manual chokes and automatic. I'd take a manual over auto any day. You as the operator can hear the engine and make adjustments as needed. Auto chokes tend to be operated by Temp. sensors. I can hear how an engine is running better than a sensor.

[@SuperKONR]

Every auto choke I've dealt with has been complete garbage even when adjusted right. Hot air chokes tend to not pull off all the way, and if it's cold and it takes awhile to start then by the time it's actually running, the electric heat coil will already be hot from the key being on and won't let the fast idle lever engage. If you think auto chokes are simple and easy to work with, then how is a pull lever not even simpler and easier to work with. I don't know about you but I'd rather have control over my car actually being able to start and run. Every time I get a carburetor, the first thing that happens is the auto choke assembly goes flying towards the dumpster where it belongs. IMHO...

[@nowhereman7398]

I'm a pessimist, if you would have really needed them to start, you'd have been walking. Ha ha.

[@ristube3319]

On queue “I’m surprised it started!”... Dead...

[@scottyjones27]

That's the oil pump whine

[@TheThirdWheel618]

Put a electrical fuel pump the t bird would had started 5/7 psi Holly 32 GPH they look good for bieng outside in the snow and that old .

[@charlesr.woodbury9014]

That was a great video. I have a 62 Tbird. But your video would have been even better if you had taken a close shot of your right foot pumping the gas pedal!

[@mikesamra9126]

Why is that beautiful classic Thunderbird out in the snow? Most of those cars have an automatic choke.

[@ryder3764]

0:27 Anything suspicious? (Plate & Numbers)

[@cliffhanger5777]

Wow

[@ryder3764]

Aziah2009 2 years later “Wow”

[@fordmustang98guy]

The thunderbird didn't want to stay running because it was so cold out that's why it had a hard time firing up

[@johnnymartin8698]

Mark from [fordmustang98guy] no shit

[@bobbywalkersmail]

He told you the choke wasn't working, and that means no fast idle cam engaged, because the choke engages it. Chokes are way too easy to fix to not repair.

[@juliandurnall1140]

no shit

[@Trumplican]

thats assuming it has an electric choke. maybe its a manual choke and he needs to replace the cable.

[@AmishGeneral]

Lmao you think that's why ? You fucking head

[@dragonplagues]

i thought his breath was smoke inside the truck lol

[@jimbosc]

Cold FE morning

[@seventhdaymusic]

Celsius or Fahrenheit?

[@wranglersnmt]

Fahrenheit

[@seventhdaymusic]

wranglersnmt okay wow that is cold then

[@1598hi]

Next time you want to start that t bird in these conditions, wait for it to have cranked over a little less than once then put your foot on the gas about half way to three fourths of the way and keep cranking. That plus an initial six pumps of gas prior to turning over the engine should get it going fairly effortlessly. Also, thats an epic truck to snowplow with haha. I know it cant go out in the conditions Jeeps can but still its an epic ride. Why didnt you start the Wagoneer? Its the coolest of the three seen in the video

[@TeeroyHammermill]

He said the choke doesn't work on the Falcon. So he has to pump it up to get the mixture rich enough to start.

[@cameronpitts6835]

So many pumps my truck would of flooded by now

[@charlesr.woodbury9014]

nice pumping!

[@theswanster1]

Charles R. Woodbury fuck off

[@georgelugenalt200]

Dude nice T bird. If you're going to start the motor in those conditions, at least run it a while and let it heat up, or better yet drive the car. Get a carb with a choke man, that was painful to listen to.

[@brownleigh337]

And the thunder bird reds 90 bumps to start cuz I done one

[@Charles-nu4si]

So all the car nerds come down here? Can I join on this?

[@annam501]

My 460 thunderbird wouldn’t fire up in that temperature

[@rickyrick9328]

No way should you have to pump the gas pedal that many times.

[@michaelciccone2194]

Hi Ricky can you explain that to me? Is pumping too much bad?

[@nogoodhood202]

How'd that poor thing ever start

[@Immapsycho677]

Hold yer foot there longer. When mine gives me shit I just give it right back n she lives

[@samuelanghel8863]

How do y'all own these cars..

[@wranglersnmt]

What do you mean? I own 12 vehicles.

[@WhittyPics]

That seems odd to have an automatic on the column with a console on the floor

[@muffs55mercury61]

True but that's just how Thunderbirds back then were made.

[@Quiparounddreams1999]

where is the 62 buick?

[@wranglersnmt]

Been gone for years

[@zhbvenkhoReload]

u shoulda just put pennzoil platinum 0w16 for an interval of 2 years. it wuda start like a chemp

[@jasonsheppard7877]

Damn dont flood it!!

[@wranglersnmt]

Wasn’t even close to flooded, needed all that gas to even consider firing in those temps with no choke......

[@spike-km9je]

three words; Engine Block Heaters.

[@corby9591]

spikebaron two words: two expensive

[@vexx5955]

I really like american cars 6000-8000 cc with 200 hp and 2 mpg. Engineering masterpieces lmao

[@theswanster1]

Vexx are you stupid or ignorant?

[@aramusha9047]

I Wonder if a Chevy will start in that Temp.

[@losttiming5873]

Yes.

[@brownleigh337]

Hey when am grownup am going to do cold start with doing a vid to

[@davidgentz1731]

Dude why don't you just get it automatic choke like they had from the factory and screwed it up it really burning up your starter

[@wranglersnmt]

When brand new in 1966 it wouldn’t of started easily, was way below zero. Starters are cheap and the fact that it started at all was impressive.

[@davidgentz1731]

If you would have listened to what he said buddy the Thunderbird he doesn't have a choke on it that's why I had to keep pumping it you don't have to pump it that much when they have a choke listen to what the man said it

[@michaelellender9063]

I believe the term cold starts are not temp. but how long It has run last. the next morning do not count.

[@deandevirgilio3068]

The 66 needs a new battery

[@N30N350]

DONT PUMP THE GAS THAT MUCH DUDE

[@wranglersnmt]

Only way to get it to start is to pump it like that, or pour gasoline down the carb. Otherwise it just cranks until battery dies.

[@ryfodrea]

ezy money you did pump it a bit much. Could have flooded it.

[@Immapsycho677]

Never had an issue flooding and my dumb ass I just give her straight skinny pedal till she starts

[@beedslolkuntus2070]

wranglersnmt Start the car while you plug-in a 12V charger to the battery

[@richardmaaske7483]

should fix the choke

[@lopezjoseph6084]

I think you are pumping air because fuel hasn't reached carburator yet .

[@737Garrus]

Why is he spamming the gas pedal in the cars?

[@wranglersnmt]

Not gonna start ever at those temps without tons and tons of fuel

[@allanherrera9549]

Choke !!!!!

[@chrismorlan245]

Just pump and turn not pump then turn

[@ivangta5suboloquemepidan555]

Like

[@TheArchDemon729]

You forgot the 78 bronco

[@wranglersnmt]

It’s garage kept.

[@N30N350]

youre experiencing global warming too. or shall i say global cooling

[@beedslolkuntus2070]

ezy money lol so true

[@jimv7067]

Why don't you just fix the fricken auto choke and fast idle instead of pumping the crap out of them? It's not that difficult.

[@mrchugboat2001]

that tbird needs a new battery

[@christophercordasco1739]

Lots of armchair mechanics in the comments

[@opty8888]

アクセルあおり過ぎちゃう？

[@brucelee8068]

WHATS UP WITH COLD STARTS? WHO CARES

[@thebugman2007]

That's global warming for you! Lol!

[@raptorrider24]

shit -30?? surprised the fuel wasnt frozen lol

[@kennethnewton3084]

Angry

[@ivangta5suboloquemepidan555]

Like for cars

[@grishakostinyan438]

Not Cool start

[@noreason2701]

Pumping the gas pedal doesn't do anything.

[@MrTheMiguelox]

It does, it floods the carburettor making it even harder to start.

[@deanjohnson1330]

Absolutely correct.

[@mrchugboat2001]

Generic Name spray can starting fliud

[@derrickdever8770]

I don't understand why this guy ain't pumping and cranking at the same time instead of pumping the hell out of it and then crank it and then stop cranking and then pump the hell out of why don't this guy just pump it and crank at the time

[@johnpokrzywa1209]

Works better for me to pump first. Pumping while cranking never seemed to work nearly as well.

[@demnisdahms7985]

How stupid if you loved your old car it would be in a climate controlled building.

[@dennisschell5543]

Clueless... 🙄

[@wranglersnmt]

🤠

[@fabioalves4846]

Loved the pumping of the gas pedal