Ford A Instruction Book
MODEL
"A,,
Instruction
Book
The word "FORD"
is
a registered trademark of Ford Moror
Company and irs use on parts that are not manufactured and
sold by Ford Motor Company i unlawful.
MODEL "A,,
Instruction
Book
Copynghi.cu
192
by
f'ord :1.lotorC-ompany
All r,ghtc<
...-.cn•al
Reprinted
tdtb
permission of
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
b
POLYPRL T
Box 36 4, Rincon Annex
San Francisco, California
FOREWORD
This book contains information necessary to the
proper handling and care of your Ford car. Read it
carefully-particularly the instructions on lubrication, the cooling system, care of battery, etc., which
are absolutely necessary to economical and satisfactory operation.
Your car is a splendid piece of machinery.
If
properly cared for, it will give you years of satisfactory service at little cost.
When repairs are needed, we recommend having
the work done by an authorized Ford dealer. They
are provided with special service equipment. Furthermore they are interested, n:.ore than any one else,
in your personal satisfaction with the car.
Let experienced mechanics make repairs or adjust-
ments. Your car is too valuable a piece of machinery
to place
in unskilled hands.
Expert workmanship is just as essential in servic-
ing your car as it is in building it.
IMPORTANT
When repairs or replacements are necessary, 1t 1s
important that you get genuine Ford parts. This is
assured when you take your car to an authorized
Ford dealer.
Imitation or counterfeit parts of inferior quality
are being made and sold as "Ford Parts." Avoid their
use by dealing with an authorized Ford dealer.
SPECIFICATIONS AND LICENSE DATA
Engine
Transmission
Clutch
Brakes
Steering Gear
Oiling System
Type of engine ._ .••...... ... 4 cylinder
Cylinde r bore . . . . . .
3 ½ inch
Stroke , .. _. . . , . . 4¼ inch
Horse Power . (S. A. E. rating) 24.03
Selective sliding gear type, three speeds
forward
and reverse.
Single plate
dry disc.
Four wheel
in ernal expanding service
brakes operated by
the foot brake pedal.
Also an emergency or parking brake on
both rear wheels operated
by the emergency
brake lever. The emergency brakes are
entirely separate and distinct
from the
four wheel service brakes. Tot al braking
surface '22512 sq. inches.
:i1 Irreversible . worm and sector type, ratio
1134_ to 1.
Engine lubricated by gear pump, splash and
gravity feed . Oil pan capacity 5 quarts.
Cooling System Pump and thermo-syphon. Capacity , 3
gallons.
Gasoline Tank Capacity, 10 gallons.
Rear Azle Three -quarter floa ing type. Torque ube
drive. Spiral bevel drive pinion and gear .
Tires 21 x 4,50 Balloon.
Wheel Base 103 2 inches.
Turning Radius 17 ', circle 34
1
,
Tread 56 inches.
Road Clearance 9 ½ inches.
ENGINE NUMBER
The engine number is stamped on the left side of the cylinder
block just above the
cylinder inlet connec ion. The en ine
number is also the serial number of the car.
THE CAR AND ITS OPERATION
Filling the Radiator
Before starting the car, see that the radiator is filled with
dean, fresh water. The cooling system ho1ds approximately
three gallons. In winter , use an anti-freeze solution (procurable
from any Ford dealer).
As the proper cooling of the engine is dependent upon the
water supply, it is important particularly with a new car to see
that the radiator is kept well filled.
Filling the Gasoline Tank
The tank has a capacity of ten gallons. The gasoline gauge on
the instrument panel indicates the amount of gasoline in the
tank.
Gasoline can be drained from the tank by opening the pet-
cock
in the sediment bulb located on the engine side of the dash.
The screen
in the gasoline tank filler neck should occasionally
be removed and cleaned. IMPORTANT:-After cleaning be
sure to replace the screen screwing it down in place. Also see
that the small vent hole in the gasoline tank cap does not be-
come clogged.
Proper Oil Level
Before starting the engine, make sure there is a sufficient
supply of high-grade engine oil in the oil pan.
If there is not
enough oi1, more should be added through the breather pipe
located at the left side of the engine (a metal cap covers it).
Five quarts of oil is the amount required in the oil pan.
To determine the correct oil level, use the indicator located
on the left side of the engine just to the rear of the breather pipe
(see Fig. 1), as follows:
Pull out the indicator-wipe it off-re-insert the
indicator and again remove it.
The mark made by the oil indicates its level. When the oil
reaches the point marked "F" on the indicator, it is at the
proper level. Under no circumstances should the oil level be
permitted to get below the point marked
''L" as any attempt to
run the engine with too little oil may seriously damage the parts.
When replacing the oil level indicator , see that both the short
and long ends of the indicator enter the opening in the crankcase and push the indicator all the way down (see Fig. 1).
Failure to insert both ends into the opening permits oil to
leak out.
6
FORDMQDELA
Before Starting the Engine
Be sure the gear shift lever
is
in neutral position, i.e., the
position
in which it can be
moved freely from side to side.
Advance the throttle lever
located under the steering
wheel (right hand side) about
three notches,
or until the ac-
celerator pedal moves slightly
downward.
Pulling
down the throttle
lever or pressing on the accelerator pedal, controls the
quantity of gas entering the
cylinders, and regulates the
Fiirur" 1 speed of the engine.
Place the spark lever (left
hand) at the top of the quadrant (the notched quarter -circle on
which the lever is operated). This is the retard posi ion. The
spark lever regulates the timing of the spark which explodes the
gas in the cylinders.
Always retard the spark lever when starting your car.
Starting the engine with the spark advanced may cause the
engine to kick back, and damage the starter parts. After the
engine is started, advance the spark lever about half way
down the quadrant.
Theft Proof Lock
The Ford type electro-lock used in the ignition switch is a
combination switch and theft proof lock affording full protection
for the car and meeting the exacting requirements of the under•
writers as regards theft insurance.
To unlock the electro-lock, simply insert the switch key into
the ignition switch and turn the key to the right. This releases
the cylinder of the lock which snaps forward and closes the
ignition circuit. When the cylinder is released the engine can
be started in the usual manner,
and the switch key withdrawn
from the lock. To shut off the engine, push in on the cylinder
of the lock until it snaps back in the lock position. Be sure that
it stays in. This shuts off the ignition and locks the car.
Flrur• Z
Instrument• and Control Levers
8
FORD MODEL A
REVERSE
INTERMEDIATE Sta.rting the Engine
(
l
j
LOW
NEUTRAL
Fi,:ure J
!
!
i
··--:,
i
!
HIGH
Cear Shift Lever Po11itioru
1. Release the lock cylin -
der
by turning the switch key
to the right as described on
Page 6.
2. See that the spark lever
is retarded: the throttle lever
advanced three or four notches
on the quadrant and the gear
shift lever in neutral position.
3. If
the engine is cold,
turn the carburetor adjusting rod one full turn to the
left to
give it a richer mix-
ture for s arting. This rod
serves both as
a choke for
starting and as
an enriching
adjustment. N ex.t pull back
the rod, at the same time pressing down on the starter button
with your foot. The instant the engine starts, withdraw your
foot from the starter button and release the choke rod, next
advance the spark lever about half way down the quadrant.
When the engine warms up, tum the adjusting rod back to the
right. Never drive continuously with adjusting rod more than
1
4
turn open. (See Adjustment of Carburetor, Page 24.)
When star lng a warm engine, do not pull back the choke
unless the engine fails to start on the normal mixture as there
is a possibility of flooding the engine with an over rich mixture
of gas. If you should by acciden flood the engine, open the
throttle and with the choke rod in normal position, tum the
engine over a
few times to exhaust the rich gas.
Starting the Car
Release emergency brake lever. With the engine running, dis-
engage the clutch by pushing down the left foot pedal. Move the
gear shift lever to the left and back which is the low speed
position (see Fig. 3). Gradually release pressure on the clutch
pedal, allowing it to return to its normal position and at the
same time increase the speed of the engine by pressing lightly
on the accelerator.
Second Speed: When the car has reached a speed of five to
eight miles per hour, engage second or intermediate speed as
follows: Release pressure on accelerator and again disengage
the clutch, moving the gear shift lever through neutral to the
INSTRUCTION BOOK 9
right and forward, second speed position. Allow the clutch pedal
to gradually return to its normal position, and increase the
speed of the car until it is running 12 to 15 miles per hour.
High Speed: Disengage the clutch as before, at the same
time release the pressure on the accelerator and pull the gear
shift lever straight back from second speed. Then engage the
clutch and increase the speed of the engine as driving conditions
may require.
Shifting Back Into Low Speed
When shifting from high to second speed, at car speeds
not exceeding 15 miles per hour, there should be no hesitation
-in neutral; after disengaging the clutch the lever should be
moved as quickly as possible, from high to second speed.
Should it be necessary to shift from high to second at higher
car speeds, it can be done by the following method:
Disengage the clutch and shift into neutral. Reengage the
clutch and at the same time accelerate the engine; then disengage the clutch again and shift to second, after which re-
engage the clutch. With a little experience, this shirt can be
made quietly.
Descend1'ng a Hill
When descending long grades, have the transmission in gear,
the clutch engaged and the ignition switch on. This allows the
engine to turn over against compression and act as a brake.
On steep grades the car should be in second speed gear before
descent is started. On exceptionally steep grades the low speed
should be used. This increases the braking action of the engine.
Always leave the ignition switch on when descending an
incline. Shutting off the switch allows raw gas to be drawn into
the cylinders which washes the lubrication off the cylinder
walls. Also unexploded gas collects in the muffler and when the
switch is again turned on there is a possibility of blowing out
the muffler.
To Stop the Car
Disengage the clutch by pushing forward on the left pedal
and apply the foot brake by pressing forward on the right pedal.
Except when a quick stop is necessary, it is advisable to apply
the brake gradually. When driving on wet or slippery pavement,
the speed of the car should be reduced by applying the foot
brake before releasing the clutch. This method of braking prolongs the life of the brake lining, and is a safety factor.
10
FORD MODEL A
In bringing the car to a final stop, keep the clutch disengaged
until the gear shift 1ever has been moved into n utral position.
To stop the engine, push in on
the electro-lock cylinder until it
snaps into
the lock position.
To Reverse the Car
The car must be brought to a stop before at emptmg to re•
verse its direction. To shift into reverse, proce d asin shifting
into low speed, except that the gear shift lever
is moved to the
left and forward.
The Spark Control
For average driving the spark lever should be carried abou
half way down
the quadrant. Only for high speeds should the
spark lever be advanced all the way down the quadrant. When
the engine is under
a heavy load as in climbing steep hills,
driving through heavy sand, etc., the spark lever should be
retarded sufficiently to prevent a park knock .
Driving the Car
The different speed required to meet road conditions are
obtained by varying the pressure on the accelerator. Practically
all
the running speeds needed for orwnary travel are obtained
in high gear;
the low and second gear are used principally
to give
the car momen um in starting, and when the engine is
subjected to a heavy load.
The Owner's Responsibility in Caring for the Car
A new machine requires more car ful attention during the
first few days
it is being driven than after the parts have been
thoroughly 'worked
in.'' To ob aio best results, a new car
should no be driven faster than 30 o 35 miles per hour for the
first
500 miles. The oil in the engine should be changed as
described on page
13 under Draining the Oil Pan. Never start
out with your car
until you are sure it has plenty of oil, water
and gasoline.
See that
an air pressure of 35 pounds is maintained in an
tires. Under inflation causes more ire expense than anything
else.
Inspect your battery every two weeks and keep
it filled o
the proper level with distilled water.
If the water is allowed to
evaporate below the top of the plates the life of the battery
will be seriously affected.
Let the Ford dealer go over your car once a month, making
any mechanical adjustments necessary to keep your car in
proper running order.
INSTRUCTION BOOK II
Do Not Rest Foot on Clutch Pedal
Do not make a practice of resting your foot on the clutch
pedal while driving, as this may cause the clutch to slip and
unnecessarily wear the feeing on the discs.
Clutch Pedal Clearance
The correct clearance or play for the clutch pedal is approxi -
mately
l ". That is when the lutch pedal is depressed here should
be about
l " movement in
the pedal before it starts to
disengage the clutch.
As the clutch facings wear
this clearance or movement
gradually grows less. Consequently it should occa sionally be checked. Under
no circumstances should the
car be driven without clear -
ace or play in the clutch
pedal.
Adjusting Clutch
Pedal Clearance
The adjustment is easily
made by removing the clevis
pin (see Fig. 4) and turning
the release arm rod. Screw
ing the rod in decreases the
nt
clutch pedal play. Screwing
the rod out increases the play. After making adjustment, be
sure to replace clevis pin and cotter key.
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INSTRUCTION BOOK
13
THE FORD LUBRICATING SYSTEM
The purpose of lubrication is to reduce friction between
moving surfaces. The oiling chart shown on pages 26-27 gives full
information for lubricating the Ford car. Proper lubricating
has a vital effect on the life of your car; consequently you should
follow these instructions very carefully.
Engine Lubrication
All parts of the engine are lubricated from the oil reservoir
in the oil pan by the Ford Pump, Splash and Gravity Feed.
Only high grade engine oil should be used in the engine.
Oil of this kind reaches the bearing surfaces with greater ease
and cuts down frictional heat.
It should have sufficient body so
that the pressure between the two bearing surfaces will not
force out the oil and a11ow the metal to come in actual contact.
Inferior oils have a tendency to carbonize quidoy, also ''gum
up" the piston rings, valve stems and bearings. In cold weather
a light grade of oi] having a low cold test is absolutely essential
for the proper lubrication of the car.
Draining the Oil Pan
It is advisable to clean out the oil pan by draining off the
old oil when the new car has been driven five hundred miles,
and thereafter to repeat this operation every 500 miles. The
oi1 should be warm before draining.
Lubricating the Differential
Every 5000 miles the lubricant in the differential should be
drained and the housing flushed with kerosene. New lubricant
should then be added until it reaches the level of the oil filler
hole in the housing.
Lubricating the Transmission
About once every five thousand miles the gear lubricant
should be drained from the transmission by removing the drain
plug at bottom of transmission case. The interior of the transmission case should then be thoroughly flushed with kerosene
and refilled with fresh gear lubricant.
The new lubricant is poured into the transmission through
the filler hole, located at the right hand side of the transmission
case. Pour sufficient lubricant in until it reaches the level of
the filler hole.
14
FORD MODEL A
Lubrication of the Clutch Bearing
The clutch pilot bearing at the front end of the clutch is
thoroughly packed
with grease when the car is assembled, and
it will not be necessary to lubricate this bearing until such time
as the clutch may be disassembled. When the clutch is disassembled the bearing should be repacked with a good grade of
cup grease.
Approximately every 2000 miles , lubricate the clutch release
bearing. This is done by remo ving the hand hole cover and
turning the bearing until the lubricator fitting is at the top.
Lubricate the bearing by means of the compressor grease gun.
NOTE: The clutch is a
dry disc clutch and under no cir-
cumstances ·should it be oiled.
Fl~u.,, 6
Tran111niuion and Clutch
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Coun tc ran ah ie::a r betlrlri Ir
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