Dan S (NY)
Well-known Member
I bought this 1931 Ford model A based doodlebug about six weeks ago. It has probably not been run in decades but at least was under a roof. Engine was stuck but after a week of soaking with an ATF/Acetone mix it would turn a little with a pry bar on the flywheel teeth, but not much. Ended up pulling the engine out. One cylinder had been lightly stuck, but most of the problem was the massive mouse next in the flywheel area gumming everything up, plus some starter bendix parts may have been jamming the flywheel. Cleaned all the gunk out of the engine and clutch, freed up a few sticky valves and put it all back together with a few new parts. This past weekend we were able to get it started for the first time. After some initial rough running, it smoothed out pretty good and didn?t make any bad noises! It still needs lots of work but at least it runs. The monster front tires have already been replaced with regular 30-31 style model A wheels which look a lot better.