MTFCA Forum

23 T Roadster...I am asking this because I was reading some confusing information on shifting. Is it OK to shift into low, when the lever is pushed forward into high gear? I know you would have to be going really slow, but that is what I run in to during my drives. I have to slow down almost to a stop, so although the brake lever is pushed forward into high gear, I push the pedal down to go into first gear. Is this OK? Thanks .. Tommy..

Absolutely fine...
I put my hand brake lever forward and leave it there as soon as I am ready to move, either forward or backwards.
I think it’s a learned practice to put the lever in neutral until high gear is wanted...or not to.

tommyleea wrote: ↑

Sun Aug 22, 2021 10:34 pm

23 T Roadster...I am asking this because I was reading some confusing information on shifting. Is it OK to shift into low, when the lever is pushed forward into high gear? I know you would have to be going really slow, but that is what I run in to during my drives. I have to slow down almost to a stop, so although the brake lever is pushed forward into high gear, I push the pedal down to go into first gear. Is this OK? Thanks .. Tommy..

In hi coming to a stop or slow down to make a corner. Before the engine starts bucking, you should be pressing your hi peal to neutral position. In going around a corner with sufficient speed, let out into hi. If @ that point where you are very slow, press All the way to low & start the speed up procedure to hi.

Thanks for the responses. That is what I thought, but just double checking.

The only time I am in neutral, is for the last bit of a stop. I used the engine as a brake, throttled off until almost stopped, then neutral before applying the brake. If a corner demands low gear use, I engage low gear before rounding the corner. I do not like to be out of gear coasting around corners, just as I do not like to be on the brakes around corners. It takes a bit of forward thinking, but it is easier to do while you have the time rather than in a panic situation when something unexpected interrupts your journey.
An old timer advised me early on to drive a T as though you were driving a fully laden truck. Stay in gear and get off the brakes.

So far his advice has worked well for me.
Allan from down under.

The brake lever ITSELF being forward doesn't necessarily mean you're in high gear Tommy. Just IF your foot is completely off the clutch pedal, then of course it is. Once you start to push that peddle forward, you go through neutral on the way to low speed gear.
I would say, with no particular expertise, that at least slowing down a bit prior to slamming it into low gear, such as when approaching a steep hill, would be a good idea. Just a thought.

When shifting, think about what the engine RPM will be when you're in the target gear and adjust the throttle to be close to that RPM while in neutral just prior to the shift. Saves wear and tear on the bands and clutches.

Allan...Good advise about the loaded truck..

Tim..Thanks for clarifying the lever position..I thought that was the way it worked, but was reading something different that confused me..

When in close quarters, such as pulling into a garage, or backing up, I put the lever in "neutral". Otherwise, when starting out, I put my foot on the clutch pedal and hold it in "neutral" position as I release the lever all the way forward, then I press the clutch pedal down and hold it there to take off in low. As soon as I am rolling 6-10 mph, I move the throttle to idle and release the pedal all the way in a quick, smooth motion and add throttle when the clutch has taken hold. Done right, this gives a quick, smooth transition from low to high with virtually no clutch slippage or loss of momentum. At very low speeds in high, I move the spark lever up part way, and move it back down as I pick up speed. If I get out of the car for any reason with the engine running, I pull the lever all the way back to set the parking brake and set the throttle and spark for a low idle speed. Running the car in "neutral" unnecessarily is best avoided, since doing so can cause wear on the crankshaft thrust bearing and the clutch throwout fork. A worn thrust bearing can lead to magneto problems. A Model T is easier to drive if the bands, pedal linkages, brake linkage, and throttle and spark control linkages are all adjusted properly and free of excess wear. A well-tuned engine also makes driving easier.