MTFCA Forum

Not exactly what you think. Last night I tried starting my '26 for the first time in two years. I tried charging the battery, but it was taking it's time getting there so I decided to try my luck at crank starting it as the coils were buzzing. I got it to 'pop' a couple times and even got a 'free start' once, but it didn't start. The question I have is, how hard is it to crank over? I could barely get the crank to go up to the top. The engine was restored many years ago before I bought it. The compression readings are: 35, 40, 40, 40. The lever was in the full back position and all 4 wheels were on the ground. I've seen some videos where they just flip the crank over so easy a child could do it! Am I just getting weak from too much office/counter work?

Clutch and band adjustments can affect how easily the engine cranks. Thick or dirty oil can make a huge difference in how much the clutch drags. Putting a little oil on the crank bearing can help. Use a light oil as Ford recommended. (5W20 or 10W30). It might be revealing to remove all 4 spark plugs, ground the plug wires, and then see if the engine spins fairly easily with the plugs out. It should. Chilly weather will make the engine harder to crank and will increase clutch drag. Using correct oil will minimize that. Some clutch drag is unavoidable, but it should not be a serious problem except in very cold weather. In really cold weather, a 0W20 oil will give good service in a Model T.

Dragging clutch. Your compression is low. Should spin real easy.
If leave in gear(brake lever forward) there is generally less drag.
Try starting with one wheel up, in gear. You should notice its easier to crank.

Did you drain out all old fuel and replace it with fresh?

TXGOAT2 wrote: ↑

Fri Sep 12, 2025 1:27 pm

Did you drain out all old fuel and replace it with fresh?

No, I didn't yet. I need to do that.

Some of the clutch discs can stick together only running it will fix it. My T sat for a short time and I had to tow it for 1/2 a mile with the clutch disengaged to free it up. With the engine running and the clutch disengaged it took that long to free it up. I now park it with the clutch disengaged using a stick of wood between the seat frame and the clutch pedal. There was a Rolls Royce model that came with a stick on the floor and most people did not know what it was for, it was to keep the clutch disengaged while parked to avoid the issue of a sticky clutch.
You can jack up a rear wheel get it running disengage the clutch and gently apply the rear brakes to free it up.

FORD developed a revolutionary device which held the car in neutral and simultaneously set the parking brake to keep the car from rolling away.

Shortly after, the manufacturer of clutch pedal parking sticks went bankrupt.

Yet another example of that curmudgeonly robber baron auto maker, Henry Ford, ordering changes aimed at gittin' the liddleman!

"Some of the clutch discs can stick together only running it will fix it. My T sat for a short time..."

What are you using for motor oil? Have you removed the access plate on the oil pan to check for heavy sludge?