Brodhead Pietenpol Association

Original Posted By: Doug413(at)aol.com
Guys,As I recall, the left hand rested on the top of the radiator, right handgrasped the crank handle with your fingers gripping the handle and NOT yourthumb gripping, slowly turning the crank so as to position the crank handleat what would be about the 7 o'clock position and up against somecompression, and smartly pull up on the crank.Not wrapping your thumb around the handle was the advised way 'cause if theengine kicks back the crank could slip out of your hand easily and only slapyour forearm smartly and not rip off your thumb in the process.Now, on the car installation, the flywheel is at the other end of the enginefrom you as you would crank it and it would turn in a clockwise direction,as viewed from the front of the car. And since the prop is attached at theflywheel end of the crank it turns in a clockwise direction when viewed fromthe cockpit of the Piet, or counter clockwise when propping the engine.So you would offset the leading edge of the vertical stabilizer to the leftso it will force the nose to the right, countering the left-turningtendency.Rodger ChildsPiet in progress________________________________________________________________________________

Original Posted By: "Owen Davies"
Subject: Re: Pietenpol-List: Model A crank directionIn a message dated 03/13/2001 7:54:29 PM Central Standard Time, childsway@indian-creek.net writes:>After lots and lots of propping to get 12 hours on my "A" on a test stand I can confirm that rodger is correct on all points. Just a point of interest, having owned two Model A's...you can't crank it the wrong way............the crank handle will simply disengage itself !!Don Hicks (everything covered..final paint to go...whoopie !!) ________________________________________________________________________________

Original Posted By:
Have any of you Model A guys tried this trick? With your ignition off, crankand choke the engine as much as you think it needs. Stop the crank at justpast top dead center, get in turn on the key and advance the spark lever. Ifthings are right it fires right up no starter. Not sure how to do that witha mag! It sure is neat with the old truck though.John Mc----- Original Message -----

Original Posted By: "Gary Meadows"
Subject: Re: Pietenpol-List: Model A crank directionBetter'n that. When I start my Model T, while engine is hot or warm, throw up spark lever, turn key to Batt and she fires right up. To do this you MUST have the old wooden individual coils as issued.Corky, in Model T countryAlso, a safer way to crank is to set compression on crank about 7 or 8, put your LEFT hand under crank handle, grag a hold with your right hand on the outside of the left front fender and proceed with a sharp pull clockwise. No arm or hand remains in the way if she backfires. Shouldn't backfire anyway if spark is up,retarded, and commutator is properly adjusted.________________________________________________________________________________