Re: poor running '28 tudor

Posted by Mike Flanagan on July 28, 1997 at 16:47:31

In Reply to: poor running '28 tudor
posted by Jim A. on July 26, 1997 at 15:54:59

: I inherited a '28 tudor a couple of years ago which for the most part was fully restored.The engine originally ran not bad but has been getting progressively worse.Runs rough for a few minutes, begins to backfire and quits.Headgasket seems to be ok, coil has been changed, carb has been taken apart and looks ok.I 'think' I am getting it timed properly.Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated!Jim.
Jim, unfortunately there are no shortcuts in troubleshooting the Model A. Especially if you do not thoroughly understand the system to begin with. Timing an engine and tying a knot are similar in that there is no almost. It is either done right or it is not, period. If you are not sure then either get the help needed to be sure. Regardless of whether it is advice from a friend or a book if you are not sure you need help.Personally I prefer the book route although I never turn down the offer of advice from friends. A word of caution, all advice is not good advice. Do the reading so you can strain the wheat from the chaff.
Additionally when troubleshooting never "fix" more than one thing at a time. If the car won't run and you change the plugs, points and condenser and it now runs how then do you know what it was that was causing the problem in the first place?
Also patience is required. I learned that early on. Unless the A is your primary source of transportation there is always plenty of time to make sure it is right. My shop has a comfortable chair and a good reading light for "hitting the books", as it were. The Model A is relatively simple but you cannot learn it overnight and there is no one that knows it all.
The more you learn the more you enjoy and pretty soon someone will be asking you questions.
Mike Flanagan, The Model A Fool.

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