Ford Model T 1926 User Manual

Ford Manual
1926 FORD MANUAL
The following is reproduced from the 1926 FORD MANUAL which was supplied with a new Model
T Ford. Manuals similar to this one came with every Ford during many years and gave somewhat
detailed instructions to the owner on how to operate and make repairs on his car.
Many common questions regarding the operation and maintenance of the Model T Ford can be
found here.
The Car and Its Operation
What must be done before starting the Car? Answer No. 1
Before starting the car, fill the radiator (by removing cap at top) with clean fresh water. If perfectly clean
water cannot be obtained it is advisable to strain it through muslin or other similar material to prevent
foreign matter from getting in and obstructing the small tubes of the radiator. The system will hold
approximately three gallons. It is important that the car should not be run under its own power unless the
water circulating system has been filled. Pour in the water until you are sure that both radiator and
cylinder water jackets are full. The water will run out of the overflow pipe onto the ground when the
entire water system has been properly filled. During the first few days that a new car is being driven it is
a good plan to examine the radiator frequently and see that it is kept properly filled. The water supply
should be replenished as often as may be found necessary. Soft rain water, when it is to be had in a clean
state, is superior to hard water, which may contain alkalis and other salts which tend to deposit sediment
and clog the radiator. (See chapter on Cooling System.)
What about Gasoline? Answer No. 2
The ten-gallon gasoline tank should be filled---nearly full---and the supply should never be allowed to
get low. When filling the tank be sure that there are no naked flames within several feet, as the vapor is
extremely volatile and travels rapidly. Always be careful about lighting matches near where gasoline has
been spilled, as the air within a radius of several feet is permeated with the highly explosive vapor. The
small vent hole in the gasoline tank cap should not be allowed to get plugged up, as this would prevent
proper flow of the gasoline to the carburetor. The gasoline tank may be drained by opening the pet cock
in the sediment bulb.
How about the Oiling System? Answer No. 3
Upon. receipt of the car see that a supply of medium light, high-grade gas engine oil is poured into the
crank case through the breather pipe at the front of the engine (a metal cap covers it). Down under the
car in the flywheel casing (the reservoir which holds this oil) you will find two pet cocks. Pour oil in
slowly until it runs out of the upper cock. Leave the cock open until it stops running---then close it. After
the engine has become thoroughly limbered up, the best results will be obtained by carrying the oil at a
level midway between the two cocks-but under no circumstances should it be allowed to get below the
lower cock. All other parts of the car are properly oiled when it leaves the factory. However, it will be
well to see that all grease cups are filled and that oil is supplied to necessary parts. (See Cut No. 16, also
chapter on Lubrication.)
How are Spark and Throttle Levers used? Answer No. 4

Ford Model T 1926 Specifications

General

Brand	Ford
Model	Model T 1926
Category	Automobile
Language	English

Summary

The Car and Its Operation

Pre-Start Checks and Fluid Levels

Ensuring proper radiator filling, gasoline supply, and engine oil levels before operation.

Control Levers and Basic Starting

Understanding spark/throttle levers and initial engine starting procedures.

Driving Procedures and Cold Weather Start

Techniques for starting in cold weather and the function of the hand lever.

Pedals, Stopping, Reversing, and Speed Control

Operation of foot pedals, car stopping, reversing, and speed adjustments.

Owner Maintenance Advice

Guidance on owner-made adjustments and attention needed for new cars.

The Ford Engine

Engine Principles and Piston Function

Explains the gasoline engine principle and the role of pistons in combustion.

Connecting Rod Removal and Adjustment

Procedure for removing and adjusting connecting rods, including bearing wear.

Valve Arrangement, Timing, and Care

Details on valve setup, timing, and necessary adjustments for engine performance.

Valve Wear, Springs, and Engine Knocks

Addressing valve wear, spring function, and diagnosing engine knock causes.

Carbon Removal and Spark Plug Cleaning

Procedures for cleaning combustion chambers and spark plugs.

Power Plant Removal and Bearing Adjustments

Step-by-step instructions for removing the engine and adjusting crankshaft bearings.

The Ford Cooling System

Engine Cooling Mechanism and Overheating Causes

Explains the cooling system and identifies factors causing engine overheating.

Radiator Maintenance and Winter Preparedness

Procedures for radiator care, overheating response, and freeze prevention.

Radiator Leak and Jam Repair

Methods for repairing leaks and jams in radiator tubes.

The Ford Gasoline System

Carburetor Function and Adjustment Placement

How the carburetor works and why its adjustment is on the instrument board.

Fuel Mixture Types and Carburetor Issues

Definitions of lean/rich mixtures and troubleshooting carburetor problems.

Gasoline System Operational Details

Adjusting throttle, hot air pipe purpose, float function, and priming.

The Ford Ignition System

Ignition System Purpose and Magneto Generation

The role of the ignition system and how the magneto generates current.

Coil Vibrator and Weak Unit Detection

Advice on coil vibrator adjustment and identifying weak ignition units.

Commutator Wiring and Coil Adjustment Effects

Detecting short circuits in wiring and how coil adjustment affects starting.

Commutator Function and Maintenance

The purpose of the commutator and its proper upkeep.

Spark Plug Care and Ignition Trouble Signs

Spark plug maintenance and identifying symptoms of ignition system problems.

Cylinder Misfiring Diagnosis

Methods for identifying which cylinder is misfiring in the engine.

Troubleshooting Ignition and Compression Issues

Diagnosing problems when coils and plugs are correct, including compression checks.

Commutator Removal and Magneto Troubleshooting

Procedures for removing the commutator and addressing magneto malfunctions.

The Ford Transmission

Transmission Function and Planetary Gear System

Explains the role of the transmission and the planetary gear mechanism.

Clutch Purpose and Control Methods

The function of the clutch and how it is controlled via pedals and levers.

Clutch Adjustment Procedures

Step-by-step guide for adjusting the clutch mechanism.

Transmission Band Adjustment and Removal

Instructions for adjusting and removing transmission bands.

Transmission Assembly Process

Detailed steps for assembling the transmission components.

The Rear Axle Assembly

Rear Axle Removal Procedure

Detailed steps for removing the rear axle assembly from the car.

Drive Shaft and Differential Disassembly

Procedures for disconnecting drive shafts, disassembling axles, and removing gears.

The Ford Muffler

Muffler Function and Disconnection

Explains the muffler's purpose and how to disconnect it.

The Running Gear

Running Gear Lubrication and Front Axle

Care for running gear and procedures for removing the front axle assembly.

Front Axle Straightening and Wheel Care

Advice on straightening bent front axles and maintenance of front wheels.

Wheel Removal and Brake Shoe Relining

Methods for removing wheels and replacing emergency brake shoes.

Front vs. Rear Wheel Setting and Bearings

Differences in front/rear wheel settings and roller bearing installation.

Bearing Lubrication, Springs, and Clips

Lubrication schedules for bearings, spring care, and spring clip tightness.

Steering Apparatus and Gear Tightening

Maintenance of the steering apparatus and how to tighten a loose steering gear.

The Ford Lubricating System

Lubrication System Differences and Oil Recommendations

How the Ford system differs and recommendations for oil and grease.

Dope Cup Filling and Oil Changes

Best practices for filling lubricant cups and draining engine oil.

Commutator Oiling and Differential Lubrication

Importance of commutator oiling and proper differential lubrication.

Tire Maintenance and Puncture Repair

Care for tires, including removal, repair, and puncture fixing.

Car Washing and Storage Procedures

Proper methods for washing the car and storing it for periods.

The Ford One Ton Truck

Truck-Specific Axle and Differential Procedures

Applicability of car instructions to trucks and truck axle/worm removal.

Truck Differential Gear and Axle Lubrication

Removing truck differential gears and lubricating the rear axle.

The Ford Starting and Lighting System

System Components and Starter Operation

Overview of starting/lighting system and starter motor function and issues.

Generator Operation and Oiling

How the generator works and its lubrication needs.

Ignition Repair and Ammeter Functionality

Steps for ignition repair and how the ammeter indicates charge status.

Lighting System Operation and Headlight Care

How lights operate and the attention electric headlights require.

Headlight Lens Installation and Bulb Replacement

Procedures for installing headlight lenses and replacing burnt-out bulbs.

Headlight Focusing Techniques

How to properly focus headlights for optimal road illumination.

Headlight Alignment Procedures

Methods for aligning headlights to meet road visibility standards.

Starter and Generator Repair Guidance

Advice on when to consult dealers for starter and generator repairs.

Starter Removal Process

Step-by-step instructions for removing the starter motor from the car.

Starter Drive Assembly and Generator Removal

Assembling starter drive and removing the generator.

Generator Replacement and Battery Checks

Replacing generators, running engine without battery, and hydrometer readings.

Battery Water and Connection Care

Guidance on adding water to the battery and maintaining connections.