MTFCA Forum

Our 14 has only been out 3 times this year because of i can't seem to crank it.It seems as if it binds up and is very hard to crank.I leave it stored with the lever forward and use 5-30 oil. People have often asked me why not just put a starter on but i would rather not use it than pimp up a nice survivor! I have jacked up a rear wheel and it has a very hot mag but it seems to bind up after a few cranks.Once started it runs like a fine watch.All this is why i often use the wifes model A,and i wonder why or who is so anal to remove a post about a model A??? Thank you for your thoughts in advance! Bud.

If you have the spark up and the throttle down a few notches and the mixture open about 1/4 turn from the usual running position choke it a couple pulls on the crank, then turn on the ignition and it should start with one pull upward.
The more you drive the car, the easier it will start the next time you try. And the longer you let it set, the harder it will be to start.
I think it is a combination of tight engine and weak arm. Try pulling the car. tie a rope around the front cross member or the spring right where it is attached to the frame. Do not pull by the axle. It should start within a short distance. If you run it several times a month, it should be easier to start.
Norm

Bud, You called your ‘14 a “survivor” and you also say it “binds up and is very hard to crank”. So nothing I’ve read implies a rebuilt engine (main bearings dialed tightly down on new 4X Babbitt).Norm’s advice on opening the hood and richen the mixture is good. Lifter-to-valve clearance comes to mind. Compression too. Determine if it’s electrical or fuel.

bud delong wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 21, 2019 10:42 am

. . . i can't seem to crank it.It seems as if it binds up and is very hard to crank.

I can relate. If my '13 Lizzie is laid by for any length of time (usually when the barn door is snowed in) I've noted that she feels very "dry" on cranking, and harder to turn than normal. This is not the elastic tug of cold oil, in the motor and on clutch plates. It feels "dry" and a bit gritty. This on an engine with over 15,000 miles on it. I'm guessing this may mean oil has thoroughly drained from piston rings, as that's what it feels like. I use Rotella 5w40. Once running, and used at regular intervals, no such problem. I don't know if this is any help, by comparison, starting isn't difficult, other than extra "oomph" required to crank. If your symptoms are similar Bud, perhaps a table-spoonful of MMO (oops ! Here we go again ! Suggested not for the "mystery"; it's light and penetrating. Similar oils would "do" as well) down each cylinder and a little time to soak in would cure the cranking difficulty ? Appropriate weight oil and leaving the control lever in "high" when shut down should reduce any drag from cold oil.

Im a little further south Bud. It may crank easier here. You could park it at my place ! I would even crank it if you got tired! Just sayin buddy!

Dallas,I think your on to something! Bud.

Just trying to help Bud. I probably would go broke and be dehydrated cause I would be staring at that thing all day and drooling.

Rich,I can try that easy by simply putting it in my primer cup spark plugs! Bud.

Even better ! Let us know how you make out.

Bud, We're all waiting to "hear" the results!

Keith

Keith,The idea has been planted ! Bud.