How to troubleshoot a Ford Model A that won't start. You won't BELIEVE what went wrong!!

"I AM the Warranty"

#paulshinn

[elosogonzalez]

Between you and dad, I consider you the gurus of everything Model A! Keep 'em rollin' !

[earlt.]

Hello Paul. The only time my '30 quit running was when the pop-out cable from the distributor to the switch went bad. Luckily I broke down right across the road from an old engine shop. Some old guys came running out and figured out the problem pretty quick. They pulled a cable off a car that was in the pile behind the shop, and boom, I was back on the road. Free, no charge, they were glad to help. That was 1985 and all the "old guys" were still around who knew this stuff, darn I miss those guys. I guess we're the "old guys" now---ha-ha. Thanks, keep up the good work !!!

[danieldembowski]

I find your tips most helpful and humorous .Even though I may be having a problem with something I always feel good after watching one of your Video's

[robertreisner]

Whenever you have a starting problem use the kiss method. KEEP IT SIMPLE. This podcast proves it! Thank you again Paul for a great way to do it. Best wishes to you, Tina and Bob. From the deep south in the far north.

[dalemettee]

A similar experience happened to me. My first job was at a DOD contractor called AAI Corp. I didn't have a car yet so the guy across worked there too. He became my transportation. The problem was his '55 Ford didn't idle very well. a miss would appear any time the engine was idling. When the speed increased, the miss went away. So as you know, I just had to see what the problem was, I asked the guy if I dould take a look to see if I could maybe fix this situation. After opening the hood and starting the car, the problem was right in front of me. Someone had stuck a nail in the boot of #1 plug, I guess to hook up a timing light but didn't remove the nail afterwards. When the engine was idling, the nail would short out to the block causing the plug to not fire. Surprisingly the plug fired right up after the nail was removed and the mystery was solved. The guy couldn't believe it and thank me. BTW, he was a test tech at work, you'd think that he would find it.

[mr_paw_t]

I missed a local model A event this morning because not feeling good. Was fortunate enough to find this video. Thanks for improving my day.

[philipdoucet]

Awesome video, long needed and very well explained. BTW, I always learned air, fuel, spark, and COMPRESSION. You hope you never have to deal with the last one, but I have in the past (not on my Model A though!). Thanks again for all these great videos.

[brantley]

I got a drive a A for the first time today. And let me to you, the guys at the gym can stop lifting weights, I've got to perfect workout for them. I'm hooked more than ever though. Feels like driving and old tractor and I loved every minute of it. I'm so glad I joined a club, even without a car, and it's all thanks to you. I hope you have a good week Paul, I'll be out for a while, I get married next Saturday and I'll be honeymooning the Saturday after that. Take care!

[jayoneill]

Very informative Paul, thanks for the trouble shooting checklist. I’m especially impressed with your Simpson multi-meter.

[ray_pilot]

Excellent primer on what to do. Will add a meter to my tool bag. My 30 Sport Coupe died on me on the way to a club meeting. 4 more "A"s came up the same road in a few minutes. Couple of master mechanics and in 5 minutes diagnosed my ignition switch as the problem. Screw was stripped. Tightened it and was on my way. put a new one in, no problem since then. This is just helping me for the next time "Vilma" (a famous silent movie star) won't start. Thanks.

[williamjolly]

I have a 1928 and it's converted to 12v. I'm having a problem getting it to start. I have been having a carb problem and knew it was going to need rebuilding, but it always starts. It doesn't even act like it's firing any fuel now. I just want to make absolutely that I'm getting spark to the plugs. Thanks for your videos and explaining things you're doing.

[petepeterson]

Thanks for the quick reply on the K&M Air Filter P/N. Tried a K&N Motorcycle Air Filter but thought the intake area was too small.

[bobbyroy]

I LOVE Model A Fords! What a wonderful video, I am working on three going on four of these sweet cars at this moment. Thank you for helping keep these beautiful cars going!

[Gord]

Paul you made it look easy thanks again for doing these. Great info ! Hope you are feeling better.

[JONMEREDITH]

That was a superb video! Excellent troubleshooting lesson! Thank you!

[ErikMarrero-wtdz]

I am working on my deceased father-in-law's 1931 Model A Cabriolet. It has not been started in 20 years. As per your suggestion, I watched the Hooptie playlist, fluid changes & lube. I set distributor timing, but did not rebuild distributor or Zenith carburetor (parts are on order). I installed a new 6V battery.

I then went through the How to Start video, and gave it a shot. Slow crank, no start. I went through the handshake process again with the same results. Then, on to this Troubleshooting a Model A That Won't Start video.

Fuse on the starter is OK. With key on, horn and lights didn't work. The Amp gauge didn't move at all when cranking. Air items check OK. Gas checks OK. Spark check; coil checks OK, and Terminal box checks OK. With key on and coil wire on the head, no spark when shorting points to ground. This may be secondary to the Amp meter not moving at the start of the troubleshooting process.

I thought maybe the ignition switch might be defective. I checked continuity between the two terminals on the back of the switch. With key off, no continuity. With key on, no continuity. I jumped the two wires on the back of the switch - crank, no start, and no movement in the Amp meter.

I have to resolve the spark issue before a rebuilt carb or distributor will be of use. I am at a loss.

[davewilson]

Great video and a simple reminder it's important to start with the basics first, Your approach and demonstration was perfect, Thanks

[kaaq]

Thanks Paul. Always enjoy your videos.

[bradyoung]

As usual Paul killer video of how sometimes simple things cause a big problem.

[mackfisher]

Paul, You exhibited excellent troubleshooting skills in this episode, must be the Navy training. Nice Simpson 260, circuit breaker, and rolltop too. As a kid I purchased the model 270 that looks the same but with the mirrored scale. However it's in a cardboard box because I had a whoops dam bakelite case.