Ford Manual
1926 FORD MANUAL
The following is reproduced from the 1926 FORD MANUAL which was supplied with a new Model
T Ford. Manuals similar to this one came with every Ford during many years and gave somewhat
detailed instructions to the owner on how to operate and make repairs on his car.
Many common questions regarding the operation and maintenance of the Model T Ford can be
found here.
The Car and Its Operation
What must be done before starting the Car?
Answer No. 1
Before starting the car, fill the radiator (by removing cap at top) with clean fresh water. If perfectly clean
water cannot be obtained it is advisable to strain it through muslin or other similar material to prevent
foreign matter from getting in and obstructing the small tubes of the radiator. The system will hold
approximately three gallons. It is important that the car should not be run under its own power unless the
water circulating system has been filled. Pour in the water until you are sure that both radiator and
cylinder water jackets are full. The water will run out of the overflow pipe onto the ground when the
entire water system has been properly filled. During the first few days that a new car is being driven it is
a good plan to examine the radiator frequently and see that it is kept properly filled. The water supply
should be replenished as often as may be found necessary. Soft rain water, when it is to be had in a clean
state, is superior to hard water, which may contain alkalis and other salts which tend to deposit sediment
and clog the radiator. (See chapter on Cooling System.)
What about Gasoline?
Answer No. 2
The ten-gallon gasoline tank should be filled---nearly full---and the supply should never be allowed to
get low. When filling the tank be sure that there are no naked flames within several feet, as the vapor is
extremely volatile and travels rapidly. Always be careful about lighting matches near where gasoline has
been spilled, as the air within a radius of several feet is permeated with the highly explosive vapor. The
small vent hole in the gasoline tank cap should not be allowed to get plugged up, as this would prevent
proper flow of the gasoline to the carburetor. The gasoline tank may be drained by opening the pet cock
in the sediment bulb.
How about the Oiling System?
Answer No. 3
Upon. receipt of the car see that a supply of medium light, high-grade gas engine oil is poured into the
crank case through the breather pipe at the front of the engine (a metal cap covers it). Down under the
car in the flywheel casing (the reservoir which holds this oil) you will find two pet cocks. Pour oil in
slowly until it runs out of the upper cock. Leave the cock open until it stops running---then close it. After
the engine has become thoroughly limbered up, the best results will be obtained by carrying the oil at a
level midway between the two cocks-but under no circumstances should it be allowed to get below the
lower cock. All other parts of the car are properly oiled when it leaves the factory. However, it will be
well to see that all grease cups are filled and that oil is supplied to necessary parts. (See Cut No. 16, also
chapter on Lubrication.)
How are Spark and Throttle Levers used?
Answer No. 4
