Ford T Series User Manual

8
THE FORD MAN . UAL
What function does th~
Hand Lever perform?
Answer No. 10
Its chief purpose is to hold the clutch in neutral position. If it
were not for this lever the driver would have to stop the engine
whenever he left the driver's seat. He would also be unable to
crank the engine without the car starting forward with the first
explosion. When pulled back as far as it will go, the ha nd lever
acts as an emergency . brake on the rear wheels, by expanding the
brake shoes in the rear wheel drums. Therefore the hand lever
should be back as far as it will go when cranking the engine or when
the car is at rest . It should be only in a vertical position, and not
far enough backward to act as a brake on the rear wheels, when the
car is to be reversed. When the car is operating in high or low speed
the hand lever should be all the way forward.
Howls the Car
started?
Answer No. 11
Slightly accelerate the engine by opening the throttle, place the foot
on the clutch pedal, and thereby hold the gears in a neutral position
while throwing the hand lever forward; then to start the car in mo-
tion, press the pedal · forward into slow speed and when under suffi-
cient headway (20 to 30 feet), allow the pedal to drop back slowly
into high speed, at the same time partially closing the throttle, which
will allow the engine to pick up its load easily. With a little prac ·
tice the change of speeds will be easily accomplished, and without
any appreciable effect on the smooth running of the machine.
How is the Car
stopped?
Answer No. 12
Partially close the tltrottle; release the high speed by pressing the
clutch pedal forward into neutral; apply the foot brake slowly but
firmly until the car comes to a dead stop. Do not remove foot from
tlte clutch pedal without first pulling the hand lever back to neutral
position, or the engine will stall. To stop the motor, open the
throttle a trifle to accelerate the motor and then throw off the switch .
The engine will then stop with the cylinders full of explosive gas,
which will naturally facilitate starting . .
Endeavor to so familiarize yourself with the operation of the car
th at to disengage the clutch and apply the brake becomes practi-
cally automati c- the natural thing to do in case of emergency.
How is the Car
reversed?
Answer No~ 13
It must be brought to a dead stop. With the engine running, disen-
gage the clutch with the hand lever and press the reverse pedal for-
ward with the left foot, the right foot being free to use on the brake
pedal if needed. Do not bring tlte hand lever back too far or you
will set the bral!:es on rear wheels. Experienced drivers ordinarily
reverse the car by simply holding the clutch p~al in neutral with
the left foot , and o~erating the reverse pedal wtth the right.
THE C AR AND IT S O P E RATION
9
~~~::~~~~e?Spark Answer No. 14
By the left-hand lever under the steering wheel. Good operators
drive with the spark lever advanced jus~ as far as the engine will
permit. But if the spark is advanced too far a dull knock will be
heard in the motor, due to the fact that the explosion occurs before
the piston in the engine has completed its compression stroke. The
best results are obtained when the spark occurs just at the time that
piston reaches its highest point of travel-the gas being then at its
highest point of compression. The spark should only be retarded
when the engine slows down on a heavy road or steep grade, but
care should be exercised not to retard the spark too far, for when
the spark is "late," instead of getting a powerful explosion, a slow
burning of the gas, with excessive heat, will result. Learn to oper-
ate the spark as the occasion demands. The greatest economy in
gasoline consumption is obtained by driving with the spark advanced
sufficiently to obtain the maximum speed.
How is speed of A M JJ
Car controlled? nswer O.
The different speeds required to meet road conditions are obtained
by opening or closing the throttle. Practically all the running
~peeds needed for ordinary travel are obtained on high gear, and it
ts seldom necessary to use the low gear- except to give the car momen-
tum in starting. The speed of the car may be temporarily slackened
in driving through crowded traffic, turning comers, etc., by "sUp-
ping the clutch," i.e., pressing the clutch pedal f9rward into neutral.
· Is it advisable for owners to A · M
16
make their own Atfjustments? nswer 0.
The Ford is the simplest of all cars. Most of th e ordinary adjust-
ments an owner will soon learn to m<;l ke for hims elf. But we most
strongly recommend that wh en it becomes necessary to employ the
services of a mechanic , the car be taken to a Ford mechanic-one
of our own representatives who thoroughly understands the car-
and who will have no motive for runp.ing up useless Fepair bills.
The entire Ford or-ganization is interested in keeping ev e ry individ -
ualFord car in constant operation, at the lowest possible cost. We have
known of much damage done to • ~any cars by un ~killed repair men.
· What attention A ·
does the Car need? nswer No. 17
Remember that a new. machine requires more careful att e ntion dur-
ing the first few days it is being driven than af ter the parts have
become thoroughly J "workJ:d in." The car which is driven slowly and
carefully when new usuatly gives the most satisfactory service in
the end. Never start out with your car until you are sure that it
. has plenty of oil and water. Frequently inspect the running gear.
See that no unnecessary play exists in either front or rear wheels,
and that all bolts and nuts are tight. Make a practi ce of t a king
care of every repair or adjustment . as soon as its ' necessity is discov -
ered. This attention requires but little time and may avoid delay
or possible accident on the road. We aim to deliver · the car in proper
mechanical adjustment. Afterwards it is plainly the duty of the
driver to keep it in t hat condition.

Ford T Series Specifications

General

Brand	Ford
Model	T Series
Category	Trucks
Language	English