When it comes to the oldest car to resurrect after a definite death, this vintage Model T might break the Motor1 record. It looks like scrap, and it hasn’t been driven for at least 74 years. Under the hood, though, is still the outdated Ford four-cylinder engine. Jennings Motor Sports YouTube channel is ready to get it up and going as well.
In the spirit of openness, this isn’t some miracle barn find that starts right up with fresh fuel and jumper cables. The engine of this 1923 Model T is locked tight since it has been left outside for decades. During an oil change, water rushes out of the drain and the front hand crank breaks.When it comes to the oldest car to resurrect after a definite death, this vintage Model T might break the Motor1 record. It looks like scrap, and it hasn’t been driven for at least 74 years. Under the hood, though, is still the outdated Ford four-cylinder engine. Jennings Motor Sports YouTube channel is ready to get it up and going as well.
In the spirit of openness, this isn’t some miracle barn find that starts right up with fresh fuel and jumper cables. The engine of this 1923 Model T is locked tight since it has been left outside for decades. During an oil change, water rushes out of the drain and the front hand crank breaks. At least there’s some oil mixed with the water.
Fortunately, a Model T’s guts are not too difficult. It’s simple to remove the spark plugs and cylinder head, and doing so exposes substantial corrosion and rust in the first cylinder. Mice were able to enter the engine through the exhaust pipe and settle in the valvetrain. A mixture of brake fluid, diesel fuel, and penetrating oil clears the mess and frees up the engine. Apart than that, the spark plugs and a valve for the first cylinder are the only things that require replacement.
Everything has been cleaned and bolted up, so all that remains is to add fuel and spark. At that point, the action really picks up when petrol poured straight into the engine is ignited by an exhaust backfire. A brief fire breaks out in the engine bay before it is swiftly put out. The engine finally calms down to a fairly smooth idle with no damage done. Considering that the engine was locked up due to the water within, this is an extremely impressive showing.
With the old engine operating, the next step is to purchase some tyres and repair the gearbox so the old Tin Lizzie can get on the road. That should be quite the sight to behold and perhaps appear in a future video.
