MTFCA Forum

John Codman

John... No comment..., maybe you need another cup of coffee. Maybe I do. It seems that I have written something that you are not happy with. I meant no harm or disrespect to anybody. I simply don't understand why the spark lever would need to be in a different position whether starting or driving o...

John Codman

I do understand that, but the coils run on AC. Transformers do not operate on DC. The purpose of the oscillators (buzzers) on our ignition coils is to convert DC into AC. Regardless of where the coils are getting their AC, the timer stays in the same position, and when the plug fires, it doesn't mat...

John Codman

I start my T on battery. In fact, I have never even attempted to start it on magneto. Why would starting on battery change the ignition timing?

John Codman

Some time ago Ron Patterson in a post on this thread discussed the proper starting procedure for a Model T. He first pointed out that with the spark lever all the way "up", and everything set properly, the timing is way retarded. More then it needs to be. The piston is so far down in the cylinder wh...

John Codman

I remember a thread here that asked if any part in a Model T had been used for all years. IIRC, the final conclusion was that the Schrader valve in the inner tube might have been that part. A lot of parts will fit all years, but are probably not identical to the original equipment. My point is that ...

John Codman

If I ever decide to have a video done, I will know who to call.

John Codman

I agree with those who say that they are a band-aid. If there is something loose enough to cause steering issues, the looseness needs to be addressed, not covered up.

John Codman

Both Lang's and Snyder's list top bow rivets, but neither catalog lists the size.

John Codman

"Until you have to replace the clutch. I think the first part to go on the assembly line was the clutch, then they built the car around it." Heater core. But yes, C5,6,7 clutch is a royal PITA. I always tease my Vette buddies the torque tube and transverse spring design is 100 years old tech. :lol:...

John Codman

I would have the crankshaft in the OP cleaned, dye penetrant tested, and magnafluxed before I would put it into an engine.

John Codman

Joshua - glad to see that you have a C4 'Vette. That was the last year that wasn't a total PITA to work on. I have done one clutch on a C5; NEVER AGAIN! I have a C5! Last year of the flip up headlights. Its pretty easy to work on imho, but I also have access to a lift. Until you have to replace the...

John Codman

We have been in Michigan and traveled the entire length of 66 in 2018-19 in correct fashion (old roads in a 1950 Ford F1). There are "official" Route 66 books that will detail the route more than I have time to explain here, including motels. Since the Chain of Rocks bridge of Route 66 is closed, g...

John Codman

I don't know how much of 66 is still drivable, but I did almost all of it many years ago when it was still open end to end. If the section that you describe is still open I have some advice that you should look into. Suggestion 1, bring at least a gallon or two of potable water - in a cooler if you ...

John Codman

I second Will's comment on the Berg's radiator. My '27 touring car runs at about 170 degrees on a known-accurate thermometer down the road here in SW Florida. If you have a radiator in really good shape, there's no reason for yours to be significantly different. Since my T does not have a water pump...

John Codman

In the OP the poster uses the word "highway". My concern is what is the poster's definition of highway? If it's an interstate, the trip is an easy "no" for me. If we are talking about a multi-lane divided road that is not an interstate or it's equivalent, the maybe. I have two magnetic flashing red ...

John Codman

Joshua - glad to see that you have a C4 'Vette. That was the last year that wasn't a total PITA to work on. I have done one clutch on a C5; NEVER AGAIN!

John Codman

When I see online advice involving interaction with "the DMV", I'm reminded that states are like Model T cars: They're all different. What works in Kansas or Illinois may not apply in California. I agree. Also, some states didn't issue titles until fairly recently. I'm not positive of this, but IIR...

John Codman

The only time(S) that I have had to call AAA was due to crud in the Carburetor. It didn't take long to figure out that the crud was from the fuel tank. I drained the tank through a paint strainer and used the gas in my lawn tractor. I pulled the tank - not an easy job in a '27 touring car, and took ...

John Codman

Hi Joshua! As we say, welcome to the affliction. Although I'm not an A&P, I was a general aviation pilot for 44 years. My "ride" was a PA24. It was the first Comanche built and it's serial number was PA24-1. I had a great friend who was an outstanding A&P and ran his own business who did all of the ...

John Codman

I don't know what type of compression tester you are using - mine is a hold-in, I'm guessing that yours is a screw in. If so, just install the tester and crank it over with the starter. If yours is a hold-in, you will need a second person anyway. A remote starter switch won't work on a T because the...

John Codman

DHort wrote: ↑
Wed Jul 30, 2025 7:33 pm
The DMV should be able to use the death certificates to allow you to track information without her filling in the forms.

I agree. This cannot be the first time this issue has occurred.
If you can find a friendly police officer, he or she can probably gain access to whatever you want from the DMV.

John Codman

It sounds to me that this is a replacement engine. It has been posted on this forum that some of the replacement engines were sold by Ford with no engine number stamped on it. You were supposed to stamp the number of the original engine on the new one. I also have read that California was one of the...

John Codman

If you want to use fully synthetic oil go for it. I don't use synthetic in my T because with no oil filter I change the oil frequently enough that I don't see any benefit to it. I'm not opposed to synthetic oil; I use it in my whole-house generator that starts automatically and immediately winds up ...

John Codman

I guess that I have one of the rare Ts that doesn't leak or burn oil. I do put the full four quarts in it. I use Shell 10 W 30, but any modern oil is way better then anything that was available when our Ts were new. FWIW I use Rotella T4 in my hot rod pickup truck (not a Model T) as it has fairly hi...

John Codman

Question Mike: you stated you purchased "new coils" - as in brand new from a vendor or an original rebuilt set by one of our coil rebuilders ? Reason I inquire is that "new" coils have not gotten any good reviews ! I don't get a cut, but I would recommend that you contact Ron Patterson about your c...

John Codman

Welcome to the affliction Mike! The first thing you need is what we call the Bible. It is the Model T service manual straight from Ford. The MTFCA has them. If you can't find exactly what you want in the manual, ask here. There are lots of people here who can help you - sometimes just by asking the ...

John Codman

My '27 definitely has two bushings. Perhaps in the distant past someone replaced the lower shaft bracket with a unit from a different year.

John Codman

Steve Jelf wrote: ↑
Thu Jul 24, 2025 5:14 pm
I can imagine myself using an exhaust whistle, but not this. I want four good spark plugs, intact and well-adjusted. Brand doesn't matter. Champion X, Wards, Splitdorf, Horseshoe, whatever.

I agree 100%.

John Codman

My '27 definitely has two bushings, as well as no felt seal. The original bushings are of top quality; I know that because they wore out the steering shaft while remaining in perfect condition. The bushings that it left the factory with the car are still there, but I had to replace the steering shaf...

John Codman

I have looked over my late '27 T quite carefully, and the only weld in the car that I could find was on the battery rack. I had done the welding as a repair to it.

John Codman

What year is the T touring? It's nice!

John Codman

I'll go along with those who have said that the late '40s and early '50s were about the end of the Model T as transportation. What has not been mentioned (or I missed it) was that a significant number of Model T bodies found their way into hot rods - particularly on the west coast. Someone mentioned...

John Codman

Some previous owner painted the rear drums on my T with whatever. I only have the brakes that the car left the factory with, and have owned it for almost 15 years; I only use the parking brake to park. The outside of the drums look fine. As has been said, if you have some kind of an auxiliary brake ...

John Codman

I agree with Larry. My late wife had her right knee replaced and did precisely what she was told to do - including the physical therapy. It came out perfectly and she never had any issues with her new knee. Sadly, she did have other unrelated problems that ended her life some years later.

John Codman

Allen - I absolutely agree with you about welding on a tank that has had gasoline in it. The problem is what do you define as recently? I was a High School Teacher and had a student - at his workplace - Attempt to weld a crack in a 55-gallon drum. It had been stored inside for a year with the vent a...

John Codman

My 2005 Dodge 5.7 Hemi calls for non-synthetic engine oil. I have never had any difficulty in finding it. Auto Zone stocks it, and so does the local Firestone and Goodyear stores. I also can get Shell Rotella T-4 and Shell Formula 10 W 30 in a Walmart about 15 miles from my house. Despite it's name,...

John Codman

TXGOAT2 wrote: ↑
Wed Jul 09, 2025 11:50 am
It would be a good idea to determine what the problem is before trying to remedy it.

I sure agree with this.

John Codman

I use whatever is in my squirt oil can. I drain the bottles that held engine (usually) oil into a container that eventually goes into the squirt can. It's oil, it's clean, and so far it seems to work just fine. I like the motorcycle chain oil idea though.

John Codman

If I still lived in Massachusetts, I'd be happy to volunteer. Unfortunately, it's a bit of a commute from SW Florida.

John Codman

I hope that crud is the problem. Keep us posted.

John Codman

Humblej wrote: ↑
Wed Jul 09, 2025 1:01 pm
I recomend you find how long the crack is and drill a small hole where the crack stops. Untill you stop drill it, it will continue to grow.

I agree. This is the way that A&P mechanics do it on airplanes.

John Codman

John, your 27 should have 21" split rims. These do have a flap, to protect the tube at the join in the split rim. NOT using a flap in those could cause failure at that point. Using a rim liner on a split rim would make for problems when fitting the tyre. Allan from down under. It does and I do. The...

John Codman

The top and bottom coolant temperatures concern me. The radiator should drop the coolant temperature more then 20 degrees. 170 going into the engine is about what my T has coming out of the engine. My radiator drops the coolant temperature 40 degrees idling on a hot day. I'm sure that it lowers the ...

John Codman

The great flap debate is in the Mystery Oil category. I use them on my wooden-wheel '27, and I'm not put out in the least if you don't believe in them.

John Codman

Lang's lists them.

John Codman

That would be my kind of living room coffee table display.

John Codman

The engine should run hotter with a lean mixture, not cooler. Are you sure that you are not operating the controls backwards? The fuel/air mixture becomes richer as you open the mixture control (turn counterclockwise).

John Codman

Check with you're insurance agent - you may need to carry commercial vehicle insurance if you are running a business from it.

John Codman

My '27 runs smoothly (for a non-counterbalanced crankshaft engine). I have no reason to believe that the engine has been apart other then my pulling the head just to see what was going on inside. The only thing that I replaced was the headgasket and two head bolts.

John Codman

It seems that we are making something fairly simple into a big deal. Start the car, when it reaches something close to normal operating temperature, check the temperature of the coolant in the top tank of the radiator. With the same probe check the temperature of the bottom of the vertical tube clos...

John Codman

I would be very surprised if there were not already mandated vehicle standards for headlights in USA. The rush to LED's here has led to a plethora of replacements for standard bulbs, most of which are not DOT approved for road use. That does not mean they are not used on the road though. The earlie...

John Codman

I just saw an article that Massachusetts has started enforcing an obscure law. The law states that automotive headlights must be considered as a unit. You may not use LED headlight bulbs in housings that were not originally designed for them. This means that you could be given a defective equipment ...

John Codman

John.Zibell wrote: ↑
Mon Jun 09, 2025 8:54 am
If an old radiator/original, the fins separate from the tubes. You may be in need of a new radiator.

I agree. A new radiator solved my heating issue.

John Codman

Hey Dan. It’s a 22 runabout. Here are a couple of shots of it. You can see the flaps on the top. Looking at it, it looks like it’s coming down enough in front. Maybe the rear straps are too tight. My guess is that you are right about the rear straps. My T is a '27 that has clamps to the windshield ...

John Codman

I love the color. The flip side is that most folks are not crazy about it. My late wife bought a new leftover '67 Ford Fairlane in that color for a very reasonable price, because the dealer couldn't get rid of it due to the color' which I have always called "Swimming pool green". We had it for years...

John Codman

I installed the Aluminum ball-bearing pulley setup from Lang's. It's on the car and works beautifully. No more oil all over the place! I still have the old setup which the car's next owner can reinstall if he/she wants to. It was some of the best money that I have spent on my T.

John Codman

Well leave it to Steve Lang to solve the mystery. He noticed that each top looked like it was welded on. Sure enough I looked and he was right. Someone must have cut the tips off and welded C channels on each part. I can not overemphasize the value that Lang's is to the Model T hobby. What great pe...

John Codman

I bought a set of 48-star flags years ago and they are still fine. The problem is I can't for the life of me remember where I got them.

John Codman

On my '27 touring the front brackets are bolted and screwed to the windshield post. The rear of the front bars are bolted to the next bar back. All of the other bars are riveted together except where the long rear bar is bolted to the body. The only exception to this is that the second bar back is a...

John Codman

In order to get to the article that you posted, I was required to agree to some third-party's terms of use. I never do that.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The link worked fine for me, part of History.com, should be no issue.

Chris B

John Codman

It is not the same as the bar on my '27 Touring.

John Codman

A perfectionist would also replace the head bolts every time I guess that I'm sorta a perfectionist then. Shortly after I bought my T I pulled the head for inspection purposes. When I reinstalled it, I used a new headgasket from Lang's. I also inspected the head bolts (technically head capscrews) a...

John Codman

I'll jump in line with those who say buy the best car that you can afford. In the long run it will save you a lot of $$ and also a lot of work. That rule applies to any used car. If you purchase what is about one step above a pile of parts, it is quite likely that you will end up selling your pile o...

John Codman

I'm old-school. I would not reuse a headgasket if I could get a new one. I have not received a new Lang's catalog in several years, perhaps they are now strictly online, but in the 2021 catalog that I do have, they are very good about describing the quality of many of the items that they sell. I don...

John Codman

Sorry for your flooding and losses of life. I hope that you are OK.

John Codman

I guess it's back to the future.

John Codman

We could use a bit of that rain here in Florida, mate.

John Codman

Thanks to all who responded to my previous post. My 1916 with a 1921 engine is positive ground. To change it to negative ground I plan to: 1) reverse the battery cables 2) polarize the generator by briefly touching B+ to the field terminal Should I disconnect the generator wire while I polarize the...

John Codman

I agree that the modification is ingenious, but their have been literally millions of Model Ts that ran fine without it. I cannot help wondering if you are putting a band-aid on the actual problem?

John Codman

What is the alternative to distilled water? Tap water? Puh-leeze. In most places the mineral content of tap water makes it a bad choice. In the approximate center of the lower 48, a 50-50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water works for me. I run the 50-50 mixture, but I'll bet a nickel that Ford di...

John Codman

Here's how I handle it. I just don't care... Water, Prestone and down the road I go. People waaay overthink stuff. Have fun! I actually agree with you. That's why I provided all the possible thinking and it ends up with just the 50/50 mix like all the manufacturers recommend :lol: I agree too.

John Codman

It sounds counter-intuitive, but pure antifreeze has a higher freezing temperature then 50-50 Glycol and water. I'm not going to tell you not to run 100% antifreeze, but there are no advantages to running straight antifreeze, and several disadvantages to it. Having said that, if it's working for yo...

John Codman

What is the alternative to distilled water? Tap water? Puh-leeze. In most places the mineral content of tap water makes it a bad choice. In the approximate center of the lower 48, a 50-50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water works for me. I run the 50-50 mixture, but I'll bet a nickel that Ford di...

John Codman

It sounds counter-intuitive, but pure antifreeze has a higher freezing temperature then 50-50 Glycol and water. I'm not going to tell you not to run 100% antifreeze, but there are no advantages to running straight antifreeze, and several disadvantages to it. Having said that, if it's working for you...

John Codman

I agree with those who think it's a fuel delivery problem. Those are the classic symptoms of fuel starvation.

John Codman

If you can ever find it, ANZACS is a great WW1 film starring a young Paul Hogan This is a mini series on TV made in 1985, and yes Paul Hogan was a tad younger at the time :-). There is another minis series called 'ANZAC Girls' made in 2014 following the experiences of a group of nurses. I didn't re...

John Codman

My Lang's repro exhaust pipe fits perfectly.

John Codman

If you can ever find it, ANZACS is a great WW1 film starring a young Paul Hogan. I have been trying to buy a DVD of it, but it's stupid expensive. I recorded it on a VHS tape years ago, but the tape deteriorated to the point that it was no longer watchable.

John Codman

I have long been a bit of a Grinch about installing seatbelts in cars that were not designed for them. Even the major manufacturers have run into trouble with seat belts. Some years ago Ford ran into a huge seatbelt issue. I don't recall whether it was the Maverick or the early Falcons had a seat be...

John Codman

speedytinc wrote: ↑
Mon Mar 31, 2025 12:50 am
Parts fit together. Today most are using worn out exh manifolds & worn nuts.
A new manifold & nut wont shake loose Tightened with the ford wrench.

I have found that the above is true. I haven't touched mine in at least 10 years.

John Codman

I have no clue, but whatever it is, it is very cool.

John Codman

Looks really nice!

John Codman

I know the best option is to remove the head to replace a connecting rod, but is it possible to remove a connecting rod from the bottom? I have plenty of shims in the rod, but the car has always had a knock. I’ve discovered that one of the connecting rods must be bent because the piston end is all ...

John Codman

varmint wrote: ↑
Mon Mar 24, 2025 5:20 am
Our October 26, 1926 ('27) T has blocks between the running boards and the support brackets but not between the running boards and the fenders. If it is supposed to have them there, i don't know anything about it.

My '27 is the same.

John Codman

I did two of mine completely by hand. I found that 40 hrs. per wheel will just about do it. I have two to go, but since the move to Florida, I don't have anything that I can really call a workshop. I am going to replace one old overly-wide cabinet in the garage. Maybe I'll use it outside and we will...

John Codman

I bought and installed a Lang's 3221 roller timer on September 17, 2014 and haven't had any trouble with it since that date. The only problem is that I don't see that timer listed in the latest catalog that Lang's has sent me (2021).

John Codman

When my father started in the hobby 77 years ago, he put the used motor oil from his father's Cadillac in his Model T. An acquaintence of mine in the antique auto hobby who was born in 1925 told me that when he was a teenager, he drove Model A Fords and the service station in his neighborhood used ...

John Codman

Will it to a museum and it’ll most likely be ultimately sold off. Curators come and go and most want a higher salary. Where do you think that’ll come from ? Accredited museums that do such things are at risk of losing their accreditation. The sale of artifacts should never be for operating costs an...

John Codman

Ethanol free gas lasts much longer than ethanol gas. To locate ethanol free gas in your area. Www.pure-gas.org. I do use Ethanol-free gas in my T, but the drivers get the normal Ethanol added gas. When I lived in Massachusetts non-ethanol added gas was not allowed to be delivered into registered au...

John Codman

Mine is a 16-foot Integrity with a deep V nose. It's great.

John Codman

This is the first time that I have been able to open this site in three or four days. Thanks for making it run again.

John Codman

I'm in Naples which makes it too far to travel for a day trip for me. I'm sure that you can find someone to help. Why don't you send an email to the two T clubs in Florida and see if they have any members near to you?

John Codman

TMiller6 wrote: ↑
Thu Feb 13, 2025 7:45 pm
I totally misunderstood the subject line.
14A15253-96F7-4F08-AE95-23C5B91A1ED6.jpeg

Same here!

John Codman

The flap question is similar to "what oil should I use?" Everyone has their own opinion. I use them because with the wooden spokes I don't want to pinch a tube. I have had my '27 for about 14 years and I have never had a flat. I would say "do what you want". I am a belt and suspenders guy. I don't c...

John Codman

Allan wrote: ↑
Thu Feb 06, 2025 5:43 pm
You may need to get in fast before Chump punishes another good ally with tarrifs.

Allan from down under.

I wish there was a "like" button.

John Codman

I am looking at getting a set of rims from Australia. Does anyone have experience doing this? What was the import / duty process like? There is no tariff on auto parts shipped from Australia if the parts are 51% or more American made. If the rims in question were made by Ford, there should be no ta...

John Codman

I too have a Berg's radiator. I have measured the coolant temperature at the top of the radiator core with the temperature probe of my DVOM. It's always around 175 - 180* after warmup.

John Codman

Mark Nunn wrote: ↑
Thu Jan 23, 2025 1:13 pm
I have a Ford script oil can and it leaks at the bottom seam. Cleaning it well enough to solder it from the inside seems to be impossible.

Why? Some carburetor cleaner should clean it out.

John Codman

I would never run smooth tires on my T (or on anything else that I did not intend to race). I appreciate that our T tires are not as wide as modern tires so the squeegee effect isn't that much, But most of us have been caught in the rain... I want all the help that I can get.

John Codman

big2bird wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 25, 2025 10:33 am
If starting fluid does nothing, he has an ignition issue.

Agreed.

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