Ford Manual
Its chief purpose is to hold the clutch in neutral position. If it were not for this lever the driver would
have to stop the engine whenever he left the driver's seat. He would also be unable to crank the engine
without the car starting forward with the first explosion. When pulled back as far as it will go, the hand
lever acts as an emergency brake on the rear wheels, by expanding the brake shoes in the rear wheel
drums. Therefore the hand lever should be back as far as it will go when cranking the engine or when the
car is at rest. It should be in a vertical position, and not far enough backward to act as a brake on the rear
wheels, when the car is to be reversed. When the car is operating in high or low speed the hand lever
should be all the way forward.
How do the Foot Pedals operate?
Answer No. 10
The first one toward the left operates the clutch. When pressed forward the clutch pedal engages the low
speed. When half-way forward the clutch is in neutral (i.e., disconnected from the driving mechanism of
the rear wheels), and the releasing of this pedal engages the high-speed clutch. The center pedal operates
the reverse. The right-hand pedal operates the transmission brake.
How is the Car started?
Answer No. 11
Slightly accelerate the engine by opening the throttle, press the clutch pedal half way forward, thereby
holding the clutch in a neutral position while throwing the hand lever forward; then press the pedal
forward into slow speed and when under sufficient headway (20 to 30 feet), allow the pedal to drop back
slowly into high speed, at the same time partially closing the throttle, which will allow the engine to pick
up its load easily. With a little practice, the change of speeds will be easily accomplished, and without
any appreciable effect on the smooth running of the machine.
How is the Car stopped?
Answer No. 12
Partially close the throttle; release the high speed by pressing the clutch pedal forward into neutral; apply
the foot brake slowly but firmly until the car comes to a dead stop. Do not remove foot from the clutch
pedal without first pulling the hand lever back to neutral position, or the engine will stall. To stop the
motor turn off the switch.
Endeavor to so familiarize yourself with the operation of the car that to disengage the clutch and apply
the brake becomes practically automatic---the natural thing to do in case of emergency.
How is the Car reversed?.
Answer No. 13
It must be brought to a dead stop. With the engine running, disengage the clutch with the hand lever and
press the reverse pedal forward with the left foot, the right foot being free to use on the brake pedal if
needed. Do not bring the hand lever back too far or you will set the brakes on the rear wheels.
Experienced drivers ordinarily reverse the car by simply holding the clutch pedal in neutral with the left
foot, and operating the reverse pedal with the right.
How is the Spark controlled?
Answer No. 14
By the left-hand lever under the steering wheel. Good operators drive with the spark lever advanced just
as far as the engine will permit. However, advancing the spark too far will cause a dull knock in the
motor, due to the fact that the explosion occurs too early. The spark should only be retarded when the
engine slows down on a heavy road or steep grade, but care should be exercised not to retard the spark
too far as this will result in late ignition, which causes loss of power and overheating of the motor and
may also result in warped, burned or cracked valves. Learn to operate the spark as the occasion demands.
The greatest economy in gasoline consumption is obtained by driving with the spark advanced
sufficiently to obtain the maximum speed.
How is speed of Car controlled?
Answer No. 15
