Q. Should priming rod be used in cranking when motor is warm?
A. No. The carburetor does not ordinarily require priming when the motor is warm, and cranking with the rod pulled out is apt to “flood” the engine with an over rich mixture of gas, which does not readily explode. This naturally causes difficulty in starting. If you should accidentally flood the engine, turn the carburetor adjusting needle down (to the right) until it seats; then turn the engine over a few times with the starting crank in order to exhaust the rich gas. As soon as the motor starts, turn back the needle to the left and readjust the carburetor.
V
THE FORD IGNITION SYSTEM
Q. What is the purpose of the ignition system?
A. It furnishes the electric spark which explodes the charge in the combustion chamber, thus producing the power which runs the engine. It is important that the charge be correctly ignited at the proper time, in order to obtain satisfactory results in running the car. In the Ford car the ignition system is as simple as it is possible for human invention to make it.
Q. How does the magneto generate the current?
A. In revolving at the same rate of speed as the motor, the magnets on the flywheel passing the stationary coil spools create an alternating low tension electric current in coils of wire which are wound around spools fastened to the stationary part of the magneto, and is carried from these coils to the magneto connection (wire) leading to the coil box on the dash.
Q. Should the coil vibrator adjustment be disturbed?
A. The present style of coil unit is properly adjusted when it leaves the factory and this adjustment should not be disturbed unless to install new points or to reduce the gap between the points which may have increased from wear. When adjustments are necessary they should, whenever possible, be made by one of the Ford service stations who have special equipment for testing and adjusting units and will gladly furnish expert service. If the points are pitted they should be filed flat with a fine double-faced file and the adjusting thumb nut turned down so that with the spring held down the gap between the points will be a trifle less than 1⁄32 of an inch. Then set the lock nut so that the adjustment cannot be disturbed. Do not bend or hammer on the vibrators, as this would affect the operation of the cushion spring of the vibrator bridge and reduce the efficiency of the unit.
Q. How is a weak unit detected?