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Ford Model A Pickup Restoration April 2017

This month, I prepared my Model A for the first run this year. This means removing the dust, adjusting the valves and make an oil change.

Ford Model A Restoration Project April 2017

First I wanted to check the valve clearance. For this task I first have to remove the carburetor.

Ford Model A Restoration Project April 2017

Instead of loosening the joke cable I removed the complete holder from the carburetor - this way I do not have to re-adjust the joke.

Ford Model A Restoration Project April 2017

The fuel line I removed on the firewall side.

Ford Model A Restoration Project April 2017

Then I could remove the oil return pipe.

Ford Model A Restoration Project April 2017

Now I have a clear view to the side cover and can remove it.

Ford Model A Restoration Project April 2017

My new LED lamp with magnetic foot helped me a lot.

Ford Model A Restoration Project April 2017

All 8 valves can be accessed and I can control the gap with a feeler gauge. Turn the crankshaft until the valve is in top position and then perform an additional full rotation of the crankshaft. Now you can measure with the feeler gauge.

Ford Model A Restoration Project April 2017

If the gap needs to be corrected, return the valve to its top position and adjust the play with 2 spanners. By the way, I use self-locking valve push rods.

Depending on the source, the valve clearance should be in the range of 0.010" - 0.012" (intake valve) and 0.012" - 0.015" (exhaust valve). My valves are set to the following gap: intake 0.011" and exhaust to 0.013".

Ford Model A Restoration Project April 2017

I also made an oil change.

Ford Model A Restoration Project April 2017

I wanted also check how good my oil pump is working. For this I used a slice of PET film with a hole to insert a thin plastic tube. Then I have installed it, where normally the upper side of the oil return pipe is mounted. Then I started the engine to see how long it would take to fill the valve chamber. After two minutes of idle running, the previously empty valve chamber was full.

Ford Model A Restoration Project April 2017

My wife is maybe wondering why she has to buy so much Swiffer dust removing products … Reason is that I also use this to clean my car from dust. First I do clean the whole body, then the engine and finally you can remove the oil from the oil pan. You see, the product is not only for the household but also for Model A drivers :-)