[AT] Starting Model T

[charliehill]

Gene I used to work for a logging company.  Some mornings the log skiders 
would be frozen to the ground where they were mired down in the ruts a bit. 
We would build fires under them to thaw the dirt and get the tractors to 
move.  Also, the condensate water in the air lines to the emergency air tank 
on the log trailers would sometimes freeze and cause the trailer brakes to 
lock up.  I've built a fire with newspapers and cardboard under the log 
trailer right in the middle of the highway before.  Had to do something.  It 
wouldn't move.

Charlie
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "KG Waugh" <gwaugh at wowway.com>
To: "Antique tractor email discussion group" <at at lists.antique-tractor.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 23, 2008 5:15 PM
Subject: Re: [AT] Starting Model T


>I did see a couple young fellas get an old 4wd pickup started on a C O L
> D morning outside Flagstaff, AZ one time by actually starting a fire
> under the engine/oil pan.  And they did get it warm enough to turn over
> fast enough to start without burning anything up!!
>
> Gene
>
> Ralph Goff wrote:
>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>> From: "Indiana Robinson" <robinson46176 at gmail.com>
>> To: "Antique tractor email discussion group" 
>> <at at lists.antique-tractor.com>
>> Sent: Tuesday, December 23, 2008 5:56 AM
>> Subject: Re: [AT] Ralph Goff CLOSE THE DOOR
>>
>>
>>
>>> My father used to tell of how in really really cold weather he not
>>> only drained the radiator on his Model T as soon as he parked it, he
>>> also drained the oil out. He said that the old oil got as stiff as
>>> grease below zero and that he just couldn't crank start it. He was
>>> quite strong but even if he managed to turn it enough to fire it the
>>> engine was just too stiff to start and keep running
>>>
>>
>> I've heard and read that  it was a common practice in cold weather to 
>> jack
>> up the rear wheels, or at least one side of the Model T to decrease the 
>> drag
>> on the engine for cold starting. Another trick was to carry a pail of hot
>> coals from the stove out and set it under the engine for a while to warm 
>> up
>> the oil. Not sure what they did about anti freeze though as I doubt it 
>> was
>> yet available in Model T days.
>>
>> Ralph in Sask.
>>
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