" Parking brake"

[IanMacLeod]

Greetings model T enthusiasts. As a recent purchaser of a '15 T, what is the correct way to use the parking lever/brake when car is parked/stationary?

For overnight parking, etc. I have a chalk for rear wheel that I use every time, but should i pull the lever to the neutral point or just leave it in low when I'm leaving it overnight & perhaps days before restarting and driving it?

Thanks,

Chris C.

[John.Zibell]

Since you have chalked the wheels, place the lever all the way forward (high gear). That will squeeze out oil from between the clutch plates so that when you go to start there will be less drag after you pull the lever back before starting.

[DanTreace]

Best to pull the hand lever all the way back and secure the rear brakes, being sure they work fully, locking up both rear wheels in unison.

Reason is to prevent injury/damage when starting, or someone pushing by accident on the starter floorboard switch if battery starter equipped.

For long term storage, i.e. a week or more, or over winter, place the lever all the way forward to engage the high speed clutch, forcing oil out between the clutch discs, helps prevent congealed oil that might bind up the clutch.

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

I usually pull the stick all the way back to set the parking brake. No need to chock the wheels at that point.

[TWrenn]

Since you have chalked the wheels, place the lever all the way forward (high gear). That will squeeze out oil from between the clutch plates so that when you go to start there will be less drag after you pull the lever back before starting.

Well I tried to post the combination of advice from Dan & John and once again as soon as I hit "submit" mine got bumped out! This happens 80% of the time! Go figure! Anyway...follow their advice. It's what we all do.

[John kuehn]

Yes follow the above advice. AND since you’re new to the Model T world it’s best to remember that MODEL T’S DONT HAVE REAL BRAKES! These days we are use to our modern vehicles that have ‘brakes’. T’s don’t other then engine braking and slowing down on hills, the transmission brake, and the hand brake. Learning to manipulating the pedals goes along with it too.
Buy your self the Ford service manual and read and study it as it will really help in learning the workings of your car.
You may already know most of the above but every thing helps in getting use to a car that uses 100+ year old technology. Good luck!

[Norman Kling]

One thing to be very certain that the ratchet and pawl are in good condition. I knew a man who used to go to the top of a hill and then turn around and make stops along the way down. His pawl was worn out so he put some corragated cardboard with a stick to push the lever back while he left the engine running. He got out and the stick slipped causing the car to go down the hill with him running behind it. It hit a pole and that was the end of his T.
Norm

[Allan]

Only parking inspectors chalk wheels here in Australia. If I want to stop my barn fresh buckboard from running away, I use the defunct rabbit trap I found in her toolbox as a wheel chock.

Allan from down under.

[IanMacLeod]

Thank you all friends! When not planning on moving for a week or more, placing the lever all the was forward is what I'll do (obviously still using the chock. Appreciating your insights, & yes I just got the manual & will begin the journey of avidly reading it! Best to all, C

[TXGOAT2]

It's always safer to pull the handle all the way back to set the brakes before starting the car. If you start it in gear, it will run probably run over you. Proper adjustment of the interconnected linkages is important and proper band adjustment is important.

Using a suitable motor oil is also important for easy starting and best performance. Model Ts do not like thick oil. A 10W20 or 10W30 works well under most conditions. Synthetic oil gives good results. In cold weather, 0W20 synthetic is a good choice. In very hot weather, a 10W40 or 20W50 is OK, especially with a well-worn engine.

[Steve Jelf]

Chock, not chalk. A very significant factor in Model T lore is that there is no true neutral. A newly started T has a tendency to creep forward. The creep ranges from negligible on some cars to important on others. I got a memorable lesson on this when I started my car with no chocks in place. It ran over me. That made a big impression.

[Norman Kling]

I always chock when on a hill. Put the block in the direction the car would roll if the brake failed to hold it. Likewise, even on level I chock in front of the front wheel before I crank or use the starter even with the parking brake on.
Norm

[Bryant]

Is anyone else getting nervous?

Bryant

[Tadpole]

Play it safe like me: jack all 4 wheels off the ground, remove them hubs and all, then let the car back down. I do this every evening and when I am away from the car more than a half hour. Also helps deter theft.

[Allan]

Ted, might I suggest you put a heavy chain and padlock on the wheels once you have them off. There's a lot of money in a good set of wheels/tyres. Even more if you have flaps fitted.

Allan from down under.