Safe cranking technique

Discuss all things Model T related.
Forum rules
If you need help logging in, or have question about how something works, use the Support forum located here Support Forum
Complete set of Forum Rules Forum Rules
Post Reply Previous topicNext topic

Topic author
Rich P. Bingham
Posts: 1775
Joined: Sun Feb 13, 2022 11:24 am
First Name: Rich
Last Name: Bingham
Location: Blackfoot, Idaho
Board Member Since: 2015

Safe cranking technique

Post by Rich P. Bingham » Fri Jan 23, 2026 5:44 pm

Is this how you do it ?
IMG_3664.jpeg
Get a horse !
Top

Mike Silbert
Posts: 242
Joined: Sat Feb 08, 2020 11:30 pm
First Name: Mike
Last Name: Silbert
Location: Sykesville Md
MTFCA Life Member: YES

Re: Safe cranking technique

Post by Mike Silbert » Fri Jan 23, 2026 6:40 pm

Here are 2 video examples from fellow poster Steve Jelf of how to crank a Model T

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pv6HWWOGYA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_lkFGQToIw
Top
User avatar

Humblej
Posts: 2061
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 12:23 pm
First Name: Jeff
Last Name: Humble
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 Canadian coupe, 1924 TT C-cab, 1924 runabout
Location: Charlevoix, Mi
Board Member Since: 2006

Re: Safe cranking technique

Post by Humblej » Fri Jan 23, 2026 7:09 pm

For Petes sake its a joke.
Top

NoelChico
Posts: 299
Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2019 10:42 pm
First Name: Noel
Last Name: Chicoine
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1920 roadster, 1923 Touring, 1926 Coupe
Location: Pierre, South Dakota
Board Member Since: 2005

Re: Safe cranking technique

Post by NoelChico » Fri Jan 23, 2026 7:14 pm

REALLY high compression head?? :lol:
Top

DHort
Posts: 2957
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 1:30 pm
First Name: Dave
Last Name: Hjortnaes
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 24 Speedster, 20 touring
Location: Men Falls, WI

Re: Safe cranking technique

Post by DHort » Fri Jan 23, 2026 7:28 pm

Gonna split his pants and then what?
Top

ThreePedalTapDancer
Posts: 1727
Joined: Sun Nov 24, 2019 2:29 pm
First Name: Ed
Last Name: Martin
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1914 Touring, 1909 Touring
Location: Idaho

Re: Safe cranking technique

Post by ThreePedalTapDancer » Fri Jan 23, 2026 8:03 pm

I’ve seen worse attempts.
Top

Mike Silbert
Posts: 242
Joined: Sat Feb 08, 2020 11:30 pm
First Name: Mike
Last Name: Silbert
Location: Sykesville Md
MTFCA Life Member: YES

Re: Safe cranking technique

Post by Mike Silbert » Fri Jan 23, 2026 10:06 pm

Video #2 I sent is a demonstration of a worse attempt.
Or how you can hurt yourself doing it wrong.
Those guys look like they are working really hard trying to hurt themselves.

I don't know if Steve made it as a warning or as a joke.
I take it as both plus a reminder of the danger when things are wrong.
Maybe he will answer with the background of the video.

Mike
Top
User avatar

dykker5502
Posts: 496
Joined: Mon Jan 07, 2019 7:01 pm
First Name: Michael
Last Name: Deichmann
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1914 Touring, 1921 Roadster P/U, 1922 Fordor (danish custom body)
Location: Rågeleje, Denmark
Board Member Since: 2007

Re: Safe cranking technique

Post by dykker5502 » Sat Jan 24, 2026 8:22 am

#1 is made to show how easy a model T is started by hand crank when it is in proper state.
No need to wind the handle likecrazy.
Ford Model T 1914 Touring
Ford Model T 1921 Roadster Pick-up
Ford Model T 1922 Fordor (danish build body)
ECCT, Strobospark, HCCT(Sold), Rebuilding coils
Top

TXGOAT2
Posts: 8491
Joined: Sun Feb 14, 2021 10:08 pm
First Name: Pat
Last Name: McNallen
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926-7 roadster
Location: Graham, Texas
Board Member Since: 2021

Re: Safe cranking technique

Post by TXGOAT2 » Sat Jan 24, 2026 11:01 am

After performing proper starting preparations, one should "lift" the crank with moderate vigor. Good maintenance and correct technique will assure success while avoiding broken bones, damaged teeth, and split britches. If it is found that the engine needs to be "spun" in order to clear a flooding condition, turn the ignition off first.
Last edited by TXGOAT2 on Sat Jan 24, 2026 2:22 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Top
User avatar

Steve Jelf
Posts: 7401
Joined: Fri Jan 04, 2019 9:37 pm
First Name: Steve
Last Name: Jelf
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1923 touring and a few projects
Location: Parkerfield, Kansas
Board Member Since: 2007
Contact:
Contact Steve Jelf

Re: Safe cranking technique

Post by Steve Jelf » Sat Jan 24, 2026 11:35 am

#2 demonstrates that with correct pulling, a kickback is harmless. I broke a wrist by cranking a tractor the stupid way, and that was a serious reminder that correct cranking matters.
The inevitable often happens.
1915 Runabout
1923 Touring
Top
Post Reply Previous topicNext topic

Return to “General Discussion Forum”