Reply To: Starting a 1920s Pierce Arrow car.

[William Morris]

I had a ’29 for 20 years and we drove it everywhere. I differ a little from Craig’s procedure so remember that free advice is often worth what you paid for it.

Here goes:

The procedure I use for my ’29 is as follows –

1. Move Spark Advance to full Retard position

2. Pull choke fully out

3. Move hand Throttle lever towards the open position just a little

4. Move ignition switch to the ‘On’ position

5. (this applies to mine as well) I turn on the electric pump to prime the carb with fuel

6. Crank engine a for about four seconds or until it fires, immediately move choke to half position.

7. Advance the spark to full advance.

8. Readjust choke to get smooth running. The position will change as it warms up

9. Keep running by adjusting hand Throttle or foot throttle

10. Car should now idle on its own and you can pull back hand throttle as car warms a little