When you are going to start your John Deere, put it in neutral, open the petcocks on the cylinders, open the gasoline valve under the tank, set the throttle in Idle range, turn the switch, and stand forward of the flywheel so you can pull the top of the flywheel toward yourself. A kid can learn it pretty quick. Keep fabrics away from the flywheel. You don't want to find out what the engine can do to you when it is spinning a grease rag up against your waist. Bare hands or leather gloves are pretty safe. Thank You, Merle!
In the early 2000's I was going to car shows with a group that included several Model T's. They showed me the proper way to hold the crank (with my thumb tucked) and start their cars so as not to break my thumb or arm. Turn on the ignition, set the spark and throttle, turn the crank against compression and it shouldn't take more than 1/4 turn counter-clockwise to get it running. I remember that on rare occasion when the engine was warm and conditions were just right, the engine could be in just the right position to start all by itself by simply turning on the ignition. It was the equivalent of seeing the Northern Lights to a Model T owner.
ReplyDeleteI had a 1923 Model T Truck many years ago, and have done that trick with the ignition. It is a thrill! One of my great uncles had his jaw broken because he wrapped his thumb and spun his Model T.
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