Ford Manual
If the car is not equipped with a starter the engine is started by the lifting of the starting crank at the front
of the car. Take hold of the handle and push firmly toward the car till you feel the crank ratchet engage,
then lift upward with a quick swing. With a little experience this operation will become an easy matter.
Don't, as a usual thing, crank downward against compression---for then an early explosion may drive the
handle vigorously backward. This does not mean however, that it is not advisable, when the car is hard
to start, to occasionally "spin" the engine by the use of the starting handle---but be sure the spark lever is
retarded when spinning or cranking the engine against compression, otherwise a sudden back kick may
injure the arm of the operator. When the engine is cool it is advisable to prime the carburetor by pulling
on the small wire at the lower left corner of the radiator while giving the engine two or three quarter
turns with the starting handle. If the car is equipped with a starter the throttle lever should be placed in
the same position on the quadrant as when cranking by hand, and the spark lever should be fully
retarded. The ignition switch may then be turned on. Current from either battery or magneto may be used
for ignition. However, we recommend that the magneto be used at all times. The magneto was designed
to furnish ignition for the Model T engine and better results will be obtained by operating in this way.
Special attention must be paid to the position of the spark lever, as a too advanced spark will cause
serious backfiring which in turn will bend or break the shaft in the starter. The starting motor is operated
by a push button, conveniently located in the floor of the car at the driver's feet. With the spark and
throttle levers in the proper position, and the ignition switch turned on, press on the push button with the
foot. This closes the circuit between the battery and starting motor, causing the pinion of the starter drive
shaft to engage with the teeth on the flywheel, thus turning over the crankshaft. When the engine is cold
it may be necessary to prime it by pulling out the carburetor priming rod, which is located on the
instrument board. In order to avoid flooding the engine with an over rich mixture of gas, the priming rod
should only be held out for a few seconds at a time.
How is the Engine best started in cold weather?
Answer No. 8
As gasoline does not vaporize readily in cold weather it is naturally more difficult to start the motor
under such conditions. The usual method of starting the engine when cold is to turn the carburetor dash
adjustment one-quarter turn to the left in order to allow a richer mixture of gasoline to be drawn into the
cylinders; then hold out the priming rod, while you turn the crank from six to eight one-quarter turns in
quick succession, or turn the motor over a few times with the starter. Another method of starting a
troublesome cold engine is as follows: Before you turn on the switch, (1) close throttle lever; (2) hold out
priming rod while you give crank several quick turns, or turn the motor over a few times with the starter,
then let go of priming rod (being careful that it goes back all the way); (3) fully retard spark lever and
advance throttle lever several notches; (4) turn on switch; (5) give crank one or two turns, or close the
starting switch, and the motor should start. After starting the motor it is advisable to advance the spark
eight or ten notches on the quadrant and let the motor run until thoroughly warmed. If you start out with
a cold motor you will not have much power and are liable to "stall." The advantage of turning on the
switch last, or after priming, is that when you throw on the switch and start the motor, you have plenty of
gas in the cylinders, to keep the motor running, thereby eliminating the trouble of the motor starting and
stopping. After motor is warmed up turn carburetor adjustment back one-quarter turn.
What function does the Hand Lever perform?
Answer No. 9
