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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hlJCf•t, atttc'

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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

M 1ln drive gc.u b.o.11 bc.11.r111~

Coun tc ran ah ie::a r betlrlri Ir

Outch houstn~ b11nd hglc w1i1e1

~

c,,~ -,~•••

kC"kav mar, fGC"t

-----Ch"eh ~ltbc.sbaf1

-----1C1utch dlloC

16 FORD MODEL A

Greasing the Car

In order to properly force lubricant to all parts equipped with
the conical shaped fittings, a high pressure compressor gun is
employed. With this gun the lubricant can be forced in under a

pressure of 2000 pounds or more per square inch, thus assuring

a more thorough and

positive lubrication than can be accom-

plished any other way.

A compressor gun is supplied

with the tool cqwpment of each

car, and by means of this device, lubricant can be forced into
all bearings provided with conical shaped fittings.

Flr,ure 7

Compresaor Lubricating Gun

Filling the Compressor

Remove top cap and plunger

assembly (see

Fig. 7 ). Fill the

barrel with lubricant. Pack the

lubricant solidly. To avoid air

pockets, tap the nozzle gently
on a board or work bench while
filling. To prevent lubricant
backing up and soiling hands,

FILL UP ONLY TO THE

TOP OF THE LETTERING
ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE

BARREL.

Operating the Compressor

When the compressor is
pressed against the conical
shaped fittings, the plunger
moves forward, forcing the
lubricant

in the nozzle directly

through the fitting into the
bearing, under an extremely
high pressure.

When the pressure on the
handle is released, grasp the
barrel of the compressor with

one hand and draw back the

handle with the o her, so as to

load the compressor and make
it ready to deliver a charge of

lubricant with t~e next forward
thrust.

INSTRUCTION BOOK 17

Oiling Generator and Starter Motor

The bearings in the generator and starting motor are lubri-

cated

when they are installed in the car and require no further

attention.

Oiling the Distributor

The distributor should be kept clean and well oiled. Put oil
in the oil cup at the side of the distributor every 500 miles. Add
sufficient oil to reach the level of the oil cup. Every 2000 miles
remove the distributor cap, clean the lobes of the cam and apply
a light

film of vaseline.

,-- -- -- -- - ----------- - --- -R1u111rp1• mlc1 cpnnc:c11an

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,----------------C llndv- WSlfT ui,lll l Ct)fU'M::CII

~------ - --- - --- W •,cir f'Ump 1»(:k nu1

Fl .,ur ell

Wat c, I ump Jrnprllt.t

,------------W~1tr ackr:ts in cvlinde r heoiJ and b!.ock

,-- -- -- -Val l·t ~ • l !I s:urt .1ndd h't W•ltf J,ttkel.l.

INSTRUCTION BOOK

THE FORD COOLING SYSTEM

Cooling the Engine

19

The Ford engine is cooled by a circulation of water through

the water jackets which surround the cylinders, combustion

chamber and valve seats. The water is circulated by thermo ­syphon ac ion, the flow of water being accelerated by means of

a

centrifugal water pump located in the front of the cylinder bead.

This pump draws the heated water from the engine into the

upper radiator tank where it is cooled by filtering through

the

radiator tubes to the lower tank. The radiator is cooled by
means of the fan located just back of the radiator where it
draws

a current of air around the radiator tubes.

To prevent overheating ke p

the radiator well filled. The

capacity

of he cooling system is three gallons.

Adjusting the Fan Belt

The fan and water pump both operate from the same shaft.

The shaf

is driven by a "V" shaped rubber belt. The belt is

adjusted to thepropertension
when the car leaves the fac -

tory and

this adjustment

should not be changed unless
the belt slips. The adjustment
is easily made by loosening
the generator support to

engine screw and moving the

generator toward you. Do not
tighten the belt more than is
actually necessary to keep

it

from slipping.

Water Pump Packing Nut

Packing is used in forming F uro 9

a water tight connection Tightening Water Pump Shaft

around the water pump shaft. Packing Nut
Should a leak develop, lubri­cate water pump shaft through water pump lubricator fitting,
then tighten the packing nut. A screw driver is used for this
purpose as shown in Fig. 9. Do not tighten the nut more than

is necessary to stop the leak.

Cleaning t.he Radiator

The entire circulating system should occasionally be flushed

out. To do this open the petcock at the bottom of the radiator

l'ii;: .. ro 10

Front View of Engine

. l~"' .. _

F•n !,,It

Cr.anbh.Ji p.ullty
i-'ly ~·hcrl

bGUllfl

U~1 .. n

INSTRUCTION BOOK

21

outlet connection pipe and insert a hose into the filler neck,

allowing the water to flow through the system for about fifteen
minutes or until the water comes out clear.

Care ol the Radiator in Winter

In freezing weather it is necessary to use an anti-freeze solu­tion in the circulating system to prevent freezing of the water,
and bursting the tubes

in the radiator .

Do not overlook the fact that constant evaporation will
eventually weaken most anti-freeze solutions, consequently they
should be tested frequently, especially in severe weather.

A suitable anti-freeze solution can be obtained from any

authorized Ford dealer. Also complete directions as to the per­centage of solution to be used to withstand the varying degrees

of cold.

As anti-freeze solutions usually contain alcohol. care should

be used when filling the radiator not to spill any of the solution,

as it may damage the pyroxylin finisn. After filling the radiator,
be sure the radiator cap is screwed down tight.

FORD MODEL A

FUEL SYSTEM

Gasoline Tank

The gasoline is carried in a ten-gallon tank welded integral

with the cowl

of the car. From this tank the gasoline flows by

gravity to the carburetor, where it is mixed with air and drawn
into the cylinders by piston suction.

A sediment bulb located on the engine side of the dash, is

i:,rovided for draining off water or sediment that may have
accumulated in the tank. Occasionally draining the bulb pre-

vents foreign material being drawn into the carburetor.

The Carburetor

The quanti y of gasoline entering into the carburetor is

governed by the float. The volume of gas mixture entering the
intake manifold is controlled by opening and closing the
throttle, according o the speed desired by the driver. Since,
with the exception of the needle valve and idle adjus ment all
of the carburetor adjustments are fixed, about the only thing
that could affect

the carburetor would be dirt or water getting

into it. An occasional cleaning will insure unin errupted ser•
vice. To clean the carburetor, remove the filter screen and thor­oughly clean the screen by washing it in gasoline. The screen

is easily removed by backing out the filter plug (see Fig. 12).

l t is also a good plan to occasionally remove the drain plug at

the bottom of the carburetor and drain the carburetor for a few

secoAds.

Regulating Gasoline Mirture

For economical driving, reduce the quantity of gasoline in the

mixture y turning the adjusting rod to the right as far as
possible without affecting the operation of the engine. This is
particularly true when taking long drives where conditions

permit a fair rate of speed being maintained, and accounts for
the excellent gasoline mileage obtained by good drivers.

Turning the carburetor adjustment too far to lhe left results

in a 'rich mix ure." Such a mixture has too much gasoline and

should be used for starting and warming up only. Running with

too rich a mixture causes excessive carbon and overheating,
likewise i wastes fuel.

f'ieura 11

Fuel Syatem

G.a,s.g;!'Uij!'.O

Ciu .t.1nk f'm.rr cap

Gu tank fdl~r IU~
Cuga~Boa•

Carhun:.0>< ad)llsunir rod

C~Ulc.lhut olfvalvc

Gu.tank IPJ R!d.ut:1,trnl bulb f»pt>

Sediment tiulb

C&rbUll!!tor adju1tini rod

rc:traetk,f apt. ni

SdlmetltbulblO

24 FORD MODEL A.

Adjustment ol Carburetor

The method of regulating the carburetor for ordinary driving

,conditions is to tum the carburetor adjusting rod to the right

until

the needle just seats, then turn the rod back approxi-

mately one-fourth of a tum.

To Set Idle Adjustment Proceed as Follows:

With engine wanned up, fully retard spark and throttle

levers.

Unhook throttle rod at carburetor. Adjust throttle

adjusting screw so that the engine will run sufficiently fast

to keep from stalling. N t turn idling adjusting screw in

or out until engine runs evenly without rolling or skipping.

Then slowly screw in throttle plate adjusting screw until

engine picks up slight additional speed. Connect throttle rod
to carburetor.

Do not expect an engine that is too stiff to "rock" on com-

pression when stopped, to idle well at low speed.

DASH ADJUSTMENT.,..

Tum to adjust mixture.

TO ST ART ENGINE..,.Open

a

full turn. If engine is cold

pull back choker, letting

it

return as soon as possible.

FOR WARMING UP"'

Should be½ turn open .

AS ENGINE WARMS UP..,.

Close off adjustment to suit.

Never drive continuously
with dash adjustment open-

ed more than ¼ turn.

Flgun 1%

,------ This screw regulates Idling

Speed of the engine.

r

This screw regulates mix-

ture for idling only. Should

be from I½ to 3½ turns open.

depending on engine.

Front steering

spindle

Shock ba.

conn. link

@Grease every 500 miles (pressure gun )

@Grease every 2000 miles (pressure gun )

© Gear lubricant every 2000 miles

@Pack with gr1 1 ,r-

Firu,re 13

t lut h thrust bearinl!

(r,·move plate)

~" ring gear

I ~ Clean and apply light film of vaseline

every

2000 miles

' Oil every 500 miles

0 Gear lubricant every 5000 miles

very

5000 miles

rt

Rear spring

hanger

Shock obsorber

connecting link

Shock absorber

connecting link

R ar spring

han1:er

ear wheel bearin~

ear brake

rom shaft

28

FORD MODEL A

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The electrical system includes the following equipment:

Storage Battery

Generator

Starting Motor
Distributor
Ignition

Coil

Spark Plugs
Ammeter
Horn
Lamps
Windshield Wiper

Engine

Ignition

The current for igniting the gas mixture in the cylinders is
provided by the storage battery. The ignition coil transforms
the low tension cw-rent to a high tension current of sufficient

\/oltage to jump between the points of the spark plugs. The

distributor breaker points interrupt the flow of low tension cur-

rent at regular intervals, while the distributor rotor distributes
the high tension current to each spark plug in proper firing
order.

Adjusting Breaker Contact Points

The gap between the breaker points is set at .018 to .022n.
The gap should occasio ally be checked to see that the points
are properly adjusted.

If the points are burnt or pitted they should be dressed down

with an oil stone.

Do not use a file.

To adjust the poin s proceed as follows:

Lift off distributor cap, rotor, and body.

Tum engine over slowly with starting crank until breaker

arm rests on one of the four high points of the cam with the

breaker points

fully opened.

Loosen lock screw and tum the contact screw until the gap

is between .O 18 and .

02 2 •. A standard thickncs gauge is used to

obtain this measurement.

Ignition Timing

As the spark must occur at the end of the compression
stroke the timing must be checked from that point. To find
the compression stroke and time the spark proceed as follows:

INSTRUCTION BOOK

29

1. Fully retard spark lever.

2. Check gap between breaker contact points and

if neces-

sary adjust them as described on page 28.

3. Screw out timing pin l@cated in timing gear cover (see
Fig. 10) and insert opposite end of pin into opening.

4. With the starting crank tum the engine over slowly, at

the same time pressing in firmly on the timing pin.
When the piston reaches the end of the compression
stroke the timing pin will slip into a small depression in
the camshaft gear.

5. With the pin in place, remove the distributor cover and

lift off rotor and distributor body.

6. Loosen cam locking screw until cam can be turned.

7. Replace rotor and tum it until the rotor arm is opposite

No.

1 contact point in distributor head.

8. Withdraw rotor from cam and slightly turn the cam in a
counter clockwise direction until the breaker points just

start to open, then securely tighten cam locking screw.

9. Replace rotor and distributor cover.

10. Withdraw tuning pin from depression in time gear

and screw it back tightly into the timing gear cover.

Fi;:W"e 14

Top View of Distributor

~ck with blao ln<U:_::.::_ _____________ _

TERMINAL BOX

COrL.------._

LICliTING SWITCH

Flrure IS

1,nition yat m

It;STR T PANEi. 1,.ICHT
Yell llh back ttocu

ICNITION

SWITCH

HORN flVT'ION

R«I

INSTRIJMEN1' PANEi.

~Blue with }'elkiw trac:et

STOP AND TAll. LIG!fTS J

v ... now wi1h btaclt rra-cr,

Btu• with y,llow LrQCCr

Breaker

HEADLAMPS

Yellow

Ti;.RMINAL BOX

Yellow

l:lluc with }'cllow tracer

lock with grttn tracer

Black Wllh rcJ u-aa:r

Ycllo v wnh blad: l~ccr

Yellow wnh bl ck u-ncer

Fisu:rc 16

Wirinr Syste m

WI HlELD

WIPER

--Block

Green

Black

On:cn

STOP AND

TAIL

LIGHTS

32

FORD MODEL A

The Ford Battery

The Ford Starting System uses a six-volt 80 ampere hour,

13-plate battery, designed and built to meet the requirements

of the Ford car.

Adding Water to Battery

Every two weeks check the electrolyte in the battery to see

that it

is at the proper level. The solution (Electrolyte) should

be

maintained at a level with lhe bottom of the filling tube. If

below this point, add distilled water until th electrolyte
reaches the proper level. Water for battery use should be kept

in clean, covered vessels of glass, china, rubber or lead. In cold

weather add water only immediately before running the engine

so that the charging

will mix the water and electrolyte and

prevent freezing. Access to the

battery is easily made by

removing a small plate loca ed in the floor board in front of

the driver's seat. To remove the battery from the car it

will be

necessary to take out the floor boards. When replacing the

battery in the car be sure to install it with the POSITIVE

terminal grounded to the frame as shown in Fig. 15.

INSTRUCTION BOOK

33

Care to Be Given Filling Plugs and Connections

Keep the battery filling plugs and connections tight, and the
top of he battery clean. Wiping the battery with a rag
moistened

with ammonia will counteract the effect of any of

the solution which may be on the outside of the battery. A
coating of vaseline

will protect the terminals from corrosion.

It is of vital importance that the battery is firmly secured in
its supporting brackets at all times,

If clamps are loose, the

battery

will shift about in the compartment resulting in loose

connections, broken cells and other trouble. When repairs are
necessary, or

if the car is to be laid up for the winter, take the

battery to a Ford dealer for proper attention and storage. Do
not entrust your battery to inexperienced or unskilled hands.

The Generator

The generator is mounted on the left hand side of the engine.

During winter months in sections..: here low temperatures prevail,
the charging rate should be adjusted to 10 amperes; in the sum­mer this rate should be cut down to 6 amperes. The rate can,
of course, be increased or decreased to meet individual require­ments. For example, the owner who takes long daylight trip
could cut the charging rate down even less. On the other hand,
the o er who makes numerous stops, should increase the
normal rate

if his battery runs down.

Increasing or Decreasing Generator Charging Rate

To increase or decrease the generator charging rate, remove
genera or cover and loosen field brush holder lock screw. The
field brush holder can be easily identified as

it is the only one

of the brush holders that operates in a slot in the brush

holder ring and which is provided with a locking screw.

The

remainder of the brush holders are riveted to the ring and are
not movable. To increase the charging ra e shift the field
brush holder in the direction of rotation, to reduce the rate
shift the brush in the opposite direction. The output of the

generator is indicated

by the ammeter located on the instru-

ment panel.

The Starting Motor

The starting motor is mounted on the left side of the engine,

It requires no attention beyond seemg that the cable connection
is clean and tight.

34

FORD MODEL A

The Ignition Coil

The ignition coil mounted on the dash receives the low
tension current from the battery, and transforms it into the
high tension current necessary to produce the spark at spark

plug. Occasionally inspect th e wire connections at the coil,

distributor and spark plugs to see that they are clean and tight.

The Spark Plugs

The spark plugs are the medium through which the electric

cWT nt ignites the gasoline charge in the cylinder. Hard starting

or misfiring of the engine may be caused

by dirty spark plugs

or incorrect spark plug gap. Keep the plugs clean and th.e gap
set to .027.

There is nothing to be gained by experimenting with different

makes of spark

plugs. The spark plugs with which Ford engines

are equipped when they leave the factory are best adapted to

the requirements of the Ford engine.

The Ammeter

The amme ter is located on the instrument panel. It registers

"charge" when the generator is charging the battery, and

"discharge" when the lights are burning and the engine running
about

10 miles per hour or less. If he engine is running above

15 miles per hour and the ammeter does not register "charge ,"

with the lights

off, consult a Ford dealer.

Operation ol the Lights

The lighting system is operated by a swttch handle located

at the top bf the steering wheel. When the lighting switch

handle -is pointed straight down the lights are off. Turning

handle first position to right from the "off'' position gives a
downward tilting beam for city driving. Turning handle to second
position to right provides a beam which gives exceptionally
brilliant road illumination for country driving. Turning handle
all the way to the left turns on the parking lights.

Replacing the Bulbs

When replacing burned out bulbs, make certain that you get
genuine Ford bulbs, as satisfactory results cannot be obtained
with the many inferior bulbs now on the market. Genuine Ford
bulbs have the name FORD marked on the base. They insure
your headlights meeting the lighting requirements of the various

States.

Headlamp Requirements

When the car is delivered. the headlamps are properly focused

and aligned, and wrn pass the lighting requirements of all states.

I STRUCTION BOOK 3S

Should the lamps get out of focus or alignment they should
immediately be refocused and realigned. Ford dealers are
equipped to do this work, or if you have the proper facilities
you can make the adjustment.

Focusing and Aligning Headlamps

Align and focus headlamps \ ith empty car standing on a

level surface in front of

a white wall or screen 25 feet from

front of headlamps. This wall must be in semi-darkness or
sufficiently shielded from direct light so that the light spots
from the headlamps can be clearly seen. The

wall must be

marked off

wi h black lines as shown in Figs. 18 and 19. Details

for making the layout are shown in Fig. 20.

Focus

1. Lens must be installed in door with the word "top" at

top of door and with all lettering reading properly from front.

2. Turn on upper beam.

3. Focus by means of screw at back of lamps, first one lamp
and then the other, adjusting the bulb filament at the focal
center of the reflector to obtain an ~ongated elliptical spot of

light on the wall, with its long axis horizontal (see Fig.

18).

In focusing, adjust the bulb to obtain as good contrast and as

well-defined cut-off across the top of the spot of light as possible.

Fl1ure 18 Ft11,1r. 19

Left Headlamp Properly Both Headlamp• Properly

Focuaed and Aligned. Focuaed and Aliened.

With lamps thus focused for the upper beam the lower beam

will be in satisfactory position.

No adjustment is necessary for small bulb for parking light.

36

FORD MODEL A

Alignrnent

l. Headlamps are aligned by moving lamps after nut at

bottom of bracket bas been slightly loosened.

2. The tops of the bright spots on the 25-foot wall are to be

set at a line 37 inches above level of surface on which car stands.

(See Fig. 20.) With tops of bright spots thus set for empty car,

the headlamps comply, under

all conditions of loading, with the

requirements of the various states.

3. The beam of light from each headlamp is to extend

straight forward· that

is, the centers of the elliptical spots of

light must be 30 inches apart.

Proper alignment of headlamps is readily checked

by means

of a horizontal line on the wall in front of the car, 37 inches
above the level surface on which car stands, and two vertical

lines 30 inches apart, each one 15 inches from center line of car.
Proper alignment of car relative to marks on the wall may be
readily provided by use of wheel guide blocks for one side of
the car, as shown in cut. If it is impossible to tic up the floor
space required by these blocks, marks painted on the floor may

be used to show where one set of wheels should track and where
the car should be stopped.

FllfU." 10

Shop Layout for Focualn1 and Adjuatins H-cllan,pe.

INSTRUCTION BOOK

'-...__-.,,-.,,..

'------

~

~M

~

---!.lttttfa:4" N'l"I

Fillur• 21

Steering Ge r Auembly

THE RUNNING GEAR

Care of Running Gear

37

Every few weeks the front and rear axles should be carefully
gone over to see that all nuts and connections are tight, with
co ter pins in place. The sprang clips should be inspected
occasionally to see that they are tight.

The Front Wheels

The front wheels should be jacked up periodically and tested

for smoothness of running and excessive side play. To determine

if there is excessive side play, grasp the sides of the tire and shake

the wheel. Do not mistake loose spindle bushings for loose bear­ings. Insert a cold chisel between spindle and axle when making
this test to take up any spindle bushing play,

Unlff:na) joLDI bou1ll\l

a lnn<T---4-tl..i~

DTive: ahalt bt.uina- ---'-"lWII

Driw .atw1 tiartn1 &leeve

O,ticn_ollal boar

Lubrn :.tHbl (11111 G

Eni1k c aJJu1 11n11 wi:dgc

}-fob ca p

Hub

INSTRUCTION BOOK

39

Adjusting Front Wheel Bearing

If there is excessive play in the bearing it can be adjusted as

follows: Remove wheel. Withdraw cotter key and tighten ad­jus ing nut until the h"ub just starts to bind. Then back off the

adjusting nut one or two notches until the hub can be freely
revolved. Before replacing the wheel,

be sure to insert cotter

key in adjusting nut.

Care of Springs

The springs should be lubricated occasionally with oil or

graphite. This

will restore the original flexibility of the sprints

and jmprove the riding quality of the car.

STEEL SPOKE WHEELS AND TIRES

Fl 1ure 23

Sectional View of Tire and Rim

Ford Steel Spoke Wheels

Rtd Gwde L•n•

on c, .. nc

To remove Ford steel spoke wheels , jack up the side of the

car from which the wheel is to be withdrawn and screw off the

five hub bolt nuts . The wh eel can then be removed. Wheh
replacing a wheel, tighten each hub bolt nut a few turns at .a
time. Then follow around hub, tightening each nut firmly. If
nuts are not drawn up evenly, the wheel will not run true.

Remorn"ng Tires From Ford Steel Spoke Wheels (Drop

Center

Rims)

Remove valve ~BJ) and lock nut and place wheel so tha~
valve is at the top. Let all air out of tube. Push valve stem up
into tire. Working both ways from the valve stem, press

40

FORD MODEL A

the tire together and down in­to the rim well, approximate­ly one foot each side of the

valve stem. Insert tire iron un­der both beads at point oppo­site valve and force tire over

rim. The tire can then be re-
movedfrom the wheel with the
hands.

Mounting Tire an

Ford

Steel

Spoke Wheels (Drop

Center

Rims)

Inflate tube until it is bare-

Figuru 24

ly rounded out, and insert

Mounting Tire on Rirn

tube in casing.

If

tires are
marked with a red dot on red guide line, the tube must be placed
in the tire with the valve stem at point marked with the red
dot. (Caution: never use a tire flap when mounting tires on
Ford Steel spoke wheels.) With wheel placed so that valve stem
hole is at top, place casing and tube on wheel with valve

in

valve stem hole. (See Figure

24.)

Working both ways from the

valve stem, press the casing together and down into the rim

well, until lower part of casing can be forced over rim flange at
bottom.

A

tire iron may be used if necessary. (See Figure

25.)

Raise tire up, (see Figure

26)

until it is perfectly centered on
rim and beads are seated on bead seats. Inflate tube to not more
than two pounds pressure and
work casing bask and forth

to insure proper setting of

tire, indicated by red line on
tire being equally spaced
from rim all way around.

(See Fig. 27.) CAUTION:
With Ford steel spoke wheels
(drop center rims) use only
casing with red centering line

just above rim flange, and

tubes marked "for drop cen­ter rims."

It is particularly important
that the red line show an
even distance from the rim

all

around on both sides be -

Ficrure

2S

Installing Tire

INSTRUCTION BOOK

Figu~ 26

Centering Tire on Rim

41

fore fully inflating ire. Put

valve nut on

valve, inflate

tire to

35 pounds and screw

valve cap down tightly. (See

Figure

27 .) With Ford steel

spoke wheels, tires can be

more easily changed with

wheel mounted on axle or
tire carrier then by laying the
wheel on ground.

Keep Tires Inflated to 35

Pounds

Tires should never be run

parlial]y inflated, as the side
walls

are unduly bent and the

fabric is subjected to stresses

which cause what is known

as rim cutting. Keep both front and rear tire inflated ta

35 lbs. and check the pressure once a week.

Never run on a flat tire, even for a short distance. Skidding

also shortens the life of the tires.

A void locking the wheels with

the brakes-no tire

will stand the strain of being dragged over

the pavement. Avoid running in street car tracks, or bumping
the sides of the tire against the curbing.

To get most service at least expense, tires should be inspected
frequently and all small cuts or holes properly sealed or re­paired, thus preventing dirt and water working in hetw en the

rubbe tread and the fabric,

causing blisters or sand holes.

Care ol Tires When Car is

Stored

When a car is idle for any
appreciable length of time,
it should be jacked up to take
the load off the tires. If the
car is laid up for several
months, it is best to remove
the tires. Wrap up the outer
casings and inner tubes sepa-

rately, and store them in a
dark room not exposed to ex-

treme temperatures. Remove

oil or grease from the tires

with gasoline.

Flrur• 27

Rad

lino on tire mu1t • how e,en dl,tance

hom run all the way oround the tlre,

42

Front bral..e

opc-ratlng .s~srt

~r'iridk bcl:l

FiJ:"urc 28

Front Brake

FORD MODEL A

.~;:: ~~:t: ::~;::~; ~·:~-'==========::.~

Em(.r--gcncv br:ikt, IQf.!.Rle(,.n~cmg lrn J.-

Ern~n:'.".,.he\' hnkl!' t~k linl,, ----~

::i.t-rvict ~rci l,i:- ~h1.>i:"
S..:-r\1i;,:b'n1k.c-linirii;

Emul(l!:nc_y br -'k,i:'.

t'sa11:1 n:=tn,1.c-tin~ SJ'lnn-'

Rear Brake

BRAKES

The braking system includes four internal expanding service
brakes, one on each wheel, and an emergency or parking brake
on each rear wheel which is also an expanding brake. This
design is made possible by specially developed two in one brake
drums on the rear wheels.

The four wheel service brakes are operated by the foot

brake pedal. The emergency brakes are operated by the emer-

gency brake lever and are entirely separate and distinct from the
four wheel service brakes.

Both sets of brakes are of the mechanically operated design,

of simple construction insuring positive action and highest

efficiency at all times.

Adjusting Four Wheel Service Brakes

Make all adjustments with brakes cold. Fully release

emergency brake lever.

INSTRUCTION BOOK

43

Raise rear end of car sufficiently to allow whee]s to spin free

from

floor.

Tum adjusting wedge at both rear brakes until the brake

drags then back off the wedge two

or three notches or just

enough to allow the wheels to revolv e without drag.

To insure correct equalization, the same person should check

the brake pressure by rotating the wheel.

After adjusting rear brakes, adjust

the fron brakes in the

same manner.

If adjustments are correctly made the brakes should operate

as fo11ows:

I. Rear brakes should just start to hold when brake pedal

is depressed approximately

1 inch.

2. Depressingpedal about½ inch farther should tighten but

not lock rear brakes and cause front brakes to just start to

hold.

3. Depressing pedal approximately another

!

2

inch should
lock rear wheels and hold the fronts very tightly. With properly
adjusted brakes this should not exceed one-half of the to al

possible pedal movement.

4. When brake pedal is applied with full pressure, rear wheels

should slide and fronts should make

a heavy impression or

road print. which condition is obtained just before sliding.

When

all of the adjustment on the adjusting wedges is used

up, it will be necessary to reline the brakes. When this becomes

necessary we suggest you take your car to

an authorized Ford

dealer. They are provided with special relining equipment.

Adjusting Emergency Brakes

The emergency brake requires little attention from an ad-

justment or service standpoint,

and with ordinary care will last

indefinitely. Only when the band linings become excessively

worn, permitting the emergency brake lever to come back to

the extreme rearward position,

wiU adjustment be required for

wear. When this occurs adjustment can be easily made as

follows:

1. Fully release emergency brake lever.

2. Remove rod that connects emergency brake ]ever to cross

shaft center lever.

3. Next replace the rod inserting it through ho]e

in center

cross member and connecting the rod to the cross shaft center
lever through UPPER hole in lever.

Never adjust lor wear by shortening the pull rods.

44

Shofk 11IJ.S1Jth,r1
1,n-u~r•t 1rn11

Front Shock Ab11orber

!-ORD MODEL A

Fi,rura 30

Rear Shock Absorber

SHOCK ABSORBERS

Ford hydraulic double acting shock absorbers operate en­tirely on the principle of hydraulic resistance. Glycerine is
forced from one chamber to another by the movement of the

lever arm. The working chamber is automatically kept

fu]l by

the glycerine

in the reservoir.

Adjustm.ent:

Turning the square end of the needle valve (see Fig. 30)

changes the adjustment. Resistance is increased when the needle
is screwed in, and decreased when the valve is backed out.

The average adjustment for rear shock absorbers during

warm weather is made as follows: Screw needle valve in until
it seats, then back valve off

1

1

tum. For front shock absorbers,

back valve off ¾ of a turn.

For cold weather adjustment the needle valve in the rear

shock absorbers should be screwed

in until it seats, then backed

off }

2 to

5

.,

of a turn. For front shock absorbers the needle

valve should be backed off·• , to

~J of a tum. A slight movement

of the needle valve ei her way makes a big difference

in the

action of the instruments.

These settings arc of course only approximate and can be

easily changed to suit the individual preference of the owner
and the conditions under which the car is operated. For example.
the owner who drives at high speed over rough roads would

INSTRUCTION BOOlC 4S

require greater shock absorber resistance than the owner who
drives

at moderate, peed ovur paved highways,

Care

The only care the shock absorbers require is replenishing the

glycerine in the reservoir and the lubrication of the connections

The filler plug in the reservoir should be removed at intervals
of 5,000

to 10,000 miles, and the reservoir filled with glycerine

(Commercial).

NEVER REPLENISH WITH OIL. Oil will

solidify in the winter or reduce resistance and will not mix with
the glycerine in the instruments.

In warm climates, replenish with glycerine, C. P. or Com-

mercial. All instruments contain glycerine with

10% alcohol.

Where temperatures of zero and below are prevalent, add

an

additional

1

2

to 1 ounce of alcohol.

Lubricating Shock Absorber Connections

The ball joints are made in unit with the instrument arm and

spring perches. They are hardened and ground. The

ball joint

seats are enclosed

in he shock absorber connecting links which

should be lubricated every 500 miles with the compressor gun.

In order to secure maximum riding comfort,

it is important

that the spring hangers be free in the bu 11hings and kept well
greased.

SPEEDOMETER

The speedometer with which your car is equipped indicates

the speed and records the mileage of your

car. It also helps you

in maintaining an accurate lubrication schedule.

Rese tti ng th.e Trip Odome ter

To reset the trip odometer simply pull out the knob on the

speedometer. By turning the knob you can reset the figures

at

any tenth of a mile desired, or back to zero. After resetting the
odometer be sure to push the knob back to

its original position.

Lubrication

The flexible shaft should be lubricated every 5,000 miles.

Care should be exercised not to bend the shaft in a radius smaller
than

7 ".

For maximum service we recommend that every 10,000 miles

the speedometer be cleaned, lubricated and recalibrated. When
this is necessary or when repairs are required consult

an au-

thorized Ford dealer.

All speedometers are sealed when they leave the factory.
Under no circumstances should this seal be broken or repairs
attempted by the owner.

46

FORD MODEL A

POINTS OF MAINTENANCE

The Proper Way to Wash the Car

Always use cold or lukewarm water-never hot water. If a
hose is used, don't turn the water on at full force as this drives
the dirt into the finish. After the surplus mud and

grime have

been washed off, take a sponge and clean the body and running

gear with a solution of water and linseed oil soap . Rinse off
with cold water; then rub and polish the body with

a damp

chamois skin. A body polish of good quality may be used to
add lustre to the car. Grease on the running gear may be re­moved with a gasoline oaked sponge or rag. The nickeled parts

should be polished with a good nickel polish. An excellent body
polish and nickel polish can be purchased from any Ford dealer.

Should the body or other pyroxylin finished parts of the car
become spattered with

tar or other substances used on roads,

the spots can be removed with a solution of , S gasoline and ½

engine oil.

Dip a soft cloth into the mixture and, using one finger, rub the
spot gently until

it has been removed, The rubbed spot should

then be washed off with clear waler.

Care of the Top

When putting down the top be careful in folding to see that
the fabric

is not pinched between the bows, a they will chafe

a hole through the top very quickly. Applying Ford top dressing

will greatly improve the appearance of an old top on eithc.r an

open or closed car.

Storing Car

Drain the water from the radia or, then put in about a quart

of anti-freeze solution to prevent freezing of any water that

may possibly remain. Draw off all gasoline. Drain the old

oil from the oil pan. Refill the oil pan with one gallon of fresh
oil and run the engine enough to cover the different parts with
oil. Remove the tires and store them. (S e paragraph on

"Care of Tires When Car is Stored.' page 40.) Wash the car

an if possible cover the body with a sheet of muslin o pro-

ect the finish,

INSTRUCTION BOOK

47

FORD MODEL AA l,½ TON TRUCK

General lnstru,ctions

The care and general operating instructions pertaining to
the car also apply to the truck with the exception that a new
truck should not be driven faster than 20 to 25 miles per hour

for the first 500 miles. Front tires should be inflated to 75 pounds
pressure rear tires 85 pounds. The pressures should be checked
every week.

Dual High

The dual high transmission , which is optional equipment,

gives the truck 47 % more pulling power. It is operated by a
double end shift pedal which extends through the floor boards.

Pressing down on the rear pedal engages the dual high. Pressing

down on the front pedal disengages it. (See Fig. 31.)

This shift is entirely independent of the standard ·trans -

mission gear shift and can be made at any speed in which the

truck is being driven whether high, second, low or reverse.

Engaging the Dual High

To engage the dual high remove your foot from the acceler­ator. Disengage the clutch, then press down on the rear dual
high clutch pedal. As soon as the dual high is engaged, reen­gage the clutch and press down on the accelerator until the de-

sired driving speed is obtained.

Disengaging the Dual High

To disengage the dual high remove your foot from the

accelerator. Disengage the clutch and press down on the

front dual high clutch pedal. As soon as the dual high is
disengaged, reengage the clutch and press down on the accel­erator until the desired driving speed is obtained.

INSTRUCTION BOOK

SUMMARY OF ENGINE TROUBLES AND

THEIR CAUSES

Engine Fails to Start:

If starter turns engine over freely. check the following:

Ignition switch off.
Gasoline ank empty or supp]y hut off.

49

If engine is cold mixture may not be rich enough - choke

bu on not pulled bac . Sees• an =ng ins ructions, page 8.

Warm engine

over choki. g. See page 8.

Breaker points too close. The correct adjustment is .018 to

O~-.

Spark plug gaps too w'ide. Corr ct gap .027 .

Water in sediment bulb or carburetor. See ins ructions on

page 22.

Starter Fails to Turn Engine Over:

Battery run down. A quick way to check this is to turn on

the lights, and depress the starter switch.

If the battery is

weak the lights

will go out or grow quite dim. If the battery is

run down, have i recharged.

Loose or dirty battery connections-See that

both the

negative and posi ive battery terminal connections are clean
and tight. These connections should

be checked regularly.

Missing at low Speed:

Gas mixture too rich or too lean. See carburetor adjustment

on pages

24 and 25.

Too close a gap between spark lug points. The correct gap

is .027".

Breaker points improperly adjusted, badly burn or pitted.

See adjusting breaker contact points, page 28.

Fouled spark plug. Plugs should occasionally be cleaned and

the gaps checked.

Water in gasoline. See instructions on cleanin~ sediment

bu.lb and carburetor, page 22.

Missing at High Speed:

Insufficient gasoline flowmg to carburetor due to gasoline

line or filter screen bemg partly clogged.

so

FORD MODEL A

Gas mix ure too rich or too lean. Sec carburetor adjustment

instructions, pages

24 and 25.

Water in gasoline, drain sediment bulb and carburetor as

described on page 22,

Engine Stops Suddenly

Gasoline ank empty.

Dirt in fuel line or carburetor. See instructions on page 22.

Gas mixture too lean. See adjustment of carburetor, pages 24

and 25.

Engine Overheats

Lack of water-radiator shouJd be kept well fil1ed.
Lack of oil-check oil level as described on page 5.
Fan belt loose or slipping, See fan belt adjusttr..ent, page 19.

Excessive carbon deposit on pis on heads and in combustion
chamber. This can be corrected by aking off the cylinder head
and removing the carbon, (Ford dealers are equipped for this
work).

Incorrect spark liming. See ignition timing page

28.

Gas mixture too rich. See adjustment of carbmetor, pagc:s 24

and 25. ·

Water (!Circulation retarded by sediment in radia or. (Sec
Cleaning he Radiator, page 19.)

Engine Knocks

Carbon knock-caused by a deposi of carbon in combustion

chamber and on piston heads.

Take off cylinder head and

remove carbon.

Ignition knocks - u1mally occur when the car is suddenly

accelerated or when ascending steep grades or travelling through
heavy sand with the spark lever fully advanced. Slightly retard­ing the spark lever elimina es the knock. The spark should be
advanced as soon as normal road conditions are encountered. For
normal driving the spark lever should be carried abou half way
down the quadrant.

Engine overheats. Check conditions listed under "Engine

Overheats.''

Loose bearing. If a bearing has become loose it should be

adjusted by an authorized Ford mechanic.

INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS

Page

Aligning Tire on Rim ....................... .... . .... . 40

Brakes , Front and Rear ............. ................... 42

Centering ;re on Rim . . •............ ................. 41

Clutch P ·-· -~ j ........................... . 11

............. .... . •.• ........ 16

Cooling SJ-stem . . .............. ... .. . . 18

Dual High =~a-smission Levers ........................ 48

Focusi.;.g Headlamps ................ ............. ... 35

Front '"::ew of Engine ................ ............... . . . 20

F el System ............... ........................... 23

Gear Shift Lever Positions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Idling Adjustment ..................................... 25

Ignition System ...... . ... . ............................ 30

Installing Tire ................ . ... ................. · ... 40

Instrument and Control Levers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Mounting Tire on Rim ................................. 40

Oiling Chart ....... ................. ................ 26-27

Oil Level Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Rear Axle Assembly ... ................................ 38

Sectional View of Engine ...............................

12

Sectional View of Tire .................................. 39

Side View of Distributor ... ... .... . ..................... 32

Shock Absorbers (Front and Rear) ....................... 44

Shop Layout for Focusing Headlamps .................... 36

Steering Gear Assembly . .. . . ............ .. .. ........... 3 7

Top View of Distributor .......... . ...... ............... 29

Transmission and Clutch .. ..... ................. .... ... 15

Water Pump Shaft .................................. . . 19

Wiring Diagram ....................................... 31

Adju•fments

Brakes. . . ..... , ..

Breaker

points . __ •

Carburet or.
Clu ch

pedal .. _.

Fan

bet

Front

wheel

bearings .. . .

Generator

charging rate .

Headlamps .•, . . ....... , .

Shock

absorbers __ _

Spark plugs .

Ammeter .. . - • .
Battery

ln.s~ctions ..

Bearing•

I

Pag e

42

28

24

11

19

39

33

35
44

34

34

32

Front wheel, adjustment of 39

Brakea

Adjustmen of. ... .

42

Breaker Contact Point.

Adju11tment of .... . . . . - .. .

28

Car

H ow to start . . . .. , . ... . ..

,15•8

H ow to

Htop . . , . . . . . . • . . .

9

H ow to reverse.. . . . . . . . . . . 10

Pr ope r

way

to

wash . .

4

St oring . . . . . . _ _

46

Carburetor

Adjustment

of. . . . •

24

Cleaning . . . . . . . . 22

Draining . - . . . . . . .

22

Chani• Lubrication Chart

26-27

Clutch Pedal Adjustment .. .

11

Coil,

Ignition ... _... _

34

Cooling

System ... .

l9

Diagrams,

Wiring . .. . .... .

30-31

Differential

Lubrication of. . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Electrical System . . . . . . . . .

28

Engine

S art.ing .. ..... .. .. 8

S opping . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-10

Lubrication system 13

ummary

of

troubles .

49

Fan

Belt

Adjustment

oL... . . .

19

Front Wheel Bearing•

Adjustment of. . . . . . . 39

Fuel Sydem . , . . . . . .

22

Ga,oline Tank Capo.city . .

22

Printed In U.S. A.

DEX

Gear

Shifting . .
Generator Cha.rgin
Headlamps

Focu sing _ .. ..

Alignment .

Bulbs . . . .. .

Ignition

Timing , .

Ignition Coil ...
Licen:re Data . . , ...
Lubrication Chart . , .
Pedal, Clutch

Rate

Adjustmen t of .•....••.

Pump

Water pump packing nut.

Radiator

Capacity . .

Cleaning
Care of

in

winter

Shifting

Gear• ... .

Setting the Spark ,
Shock Absorber•
Spark Plug Adju11tment
Speedometer

Starting .
Stopputlf .

Storage Battuy

Care of ...

Storing the

Car .

To.nJr,

Fuel

Page

8-9

33
35

36

34.

28

34

4

26-27

11

19

s

19

21

8-9

28

44

34

45

6·8

9-10

3 .33

46

Capa city. . • . •• . . • 5

Fill ing . . . . . , • • • • S

Draining . ... S

Timing, Ignition. .. . . . . ..

28

Tires

Removal . . ... • . . . •. , . , . . . . 39

Mounting . . .. , .. , , , . . . . . , 40

Inflation . . .

41

Car e of.. ... . . .

41

Top

Care

of .. . ... . ..• . •.• . ...

46

Tran•mission

Lubrication of _ 13

Water

Fi lling

radiator .

S

Putting in ba ttery

32

In sediment bulb or carburetor 22

Water Pump Packing Nut .

19

Wiring Diagro.m11.,.. .

30-31

Fn~m No. 1940