classic car forum header
Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.
 FAQFAQ   SearchSearch   MemberlistMemberlist   UsergroupsUsergroups 
 ProfileProfile   Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages   Log inLog in 
Register     Posting Photographs     Privacy     F/book OCC Facebook     OCC on Patreon

Question on manual advance / retard levers
Goto page 1, 2  Next
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration. Forum Index -> Classic & Vintage Cars, Lorries, Vans, Motorcycles etc - General Chat
Author Message
Rich5ltr



Joined: 28 Mar 2008
Posts: 678
Location: Hampshire, UK

PostPosted: Wed Aug 19, 2015 3:48 pm    Post subject: Question on manual advance / retard levers Reply with quote

Quick question: I am soon to be the owner of a pre-war car, my first... While not being a complete Luddite I am unsure how and when one uses the advance / retard lever? I am guessing retard to start but how and when does one advance it? And... do you "play" with it while driving or do you stick to fully advanced once the engine is warm? Question
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Ashley



Joined: 02 Jan 2008
Posts: 1426
Location: Near Stroud, Glos

PostPosted: Wed Aug 19, 2015 4:11 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Usually you fully retard to start it and run it fully advanced, but if it's reluctant to start you could try advancing the the timing a little.

In the old days when petrols were less consistent you sometimes need to retard the ignition to stop pinking, but not now.

My son has a customer with a Speed 20 Alvis and it never needs retarding once it's running.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
Rich5ltr



Joined: 28 Mar 2008
Posts: 678
Location: Hampshire, UK

PostPosted: Wed Aug 19, 2015 4:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks. I am sure I will get used to it. Being the person I am I thought it was something to fiddle with as you go along but by the sound of it, not! Laughing
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Rick
Site Admin


Joined: 27 Apr 2005
Posts: 22429
Location: UK

PostPosted: Wed Aug 19, 2015 4:35 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Rich5ltr wrote:
Thanks. I am sure I will get used to it. Being the person I am I thought it was something to fiddle with as you go along but by the sound of it, not! Laughing


Handbooks of the day do talk about altering the timing before tackling hills, and the like, so there's every chance you may need to tweak things while on the move, saying that I don't tend to need to in the Dodge (car).

As Ashley says, retard to start, then advance once running to a setting that works best.

What are you buying, out of interest? Smile

RJ
_________________
Rick - Admin
Home:https://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk
Videos:https://www.youtube.com/user/oldclassiccarRJ/videos
OCC & classic car merchandise (Austin, Ford ++):
https://www.redbubble.com/people/OldClassicCar/shop
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Rich5ltr



Joined: 28 Mar 2008
Posts: 678
Location: Hampshire, UK

PostPosted: Wed Aug 19, 2015 5:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Rick wrote:
What are you buying, out of interest? Smile

RJ
Not collecting it for a couple of weeks but it's a 1933 Lagonda.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Ray White



Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 6285
Location: Derby

PostPosted: Sat Aug 22, 2015 12:06 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

If you ever have to start the engine with the handle be sure that the timing is fully retarded or you run the risk of injury should it back fire.

Please post some photos of the Lagonda when you get it.

One of my all time favourite cars.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Rich5ltr



Joined: 28 Mar 2008
Posts: 678
Location: Hampshire, UK

PostPosted: Sun Sep 27, 2015 8:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Here's a quick picture for those that are interested. I've not collected it yet and I'll post a few more once I get it but I rather excited to say the least!

Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Ray White



Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 6285
Location: Derby

PostPosted: Sun Sep 27, 2015 9:22 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

WOW!

I don't usually get envious but I have to admit to having a few pangs of the green eyed monster variety just now.


Last edited by Ray White on Sun Sep 27, 2015 10:50 pm; edited 1 time in total
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Rich5ltr



Joined: 28 Mar 2008
Posts: 678
Location: Hampshire, UK

PostPosted: Sun Sep 27, 2015 10:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks, of course I am assuming the Red Triangle is an Alvis whereas the car I'm getting is a Lagonda, contemporaries of the era...
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Ray White



Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 6285
Location: Derby

PostPosted: Sun Sep 27, 2015 10:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sorry. I goofed. I was distracted and lost my thread.

Your Lagonda 16/80 T7 tourer is a real head turner and I have removed my erroneous comments. What you have there is of course one of the finest cars anyone could wish for.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Rick
Site Admin


Joined: 27 Apr 2005
Posts: 22429
Location: UK

PostPosted: Mon Sep 28, 2015 7:44 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ooooo very nice Smile

RJ
_________________
Rick - Admin
Home:https://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk
Videos:https://www.youtube.com/user/oldclassiccarRJ/videos
OCC & classic car merchandise (Austin, Ford ++):
https://www.redbubble.com/people/OldClassicCar/shop
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Rich5ltr



Joined: 28 Mar 2008
Posts: 678
Location: Hampshire, UK

PostPosted: Mon Sep 28, 2015 10:40 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ray White wrote:
Your Lagonda 16/80 T7 tourer is a real head turner...
Thanks and you're spot on. You obviously know your Lagondas very well.. I only recently found it was also known as a Lagonda 16/80 Special Six . Cool
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Ray White



Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 6285
Location: Derby

PostPosted: Mon Sep 28, 2015 11:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The 1991 cc OHV engine is basically a Crossley unit reworked by Lagonda. The 16 related to a RAC HP rating while the 80 supposedly referred to 80 mph; some say it's the BHP - I don't know which is right.

Does your car have a conventional 4 speed transmission - or was it supplied with an ENV pre selector box? As you may be aware, many pre selectors have been replaced with Alvis 20hp synchro boxes.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Rich5ltr



Joined: 28 Mar 2008
Posts: 678
Location: Hampshire, UK

PostPosted: Tue Sep 29, 2015 11:29 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

That's right it was a Crossley engine rebuilt by Lagonda. Mine originally had the pre-selector box but this was swapped for a Lagonda 4 speed manual some time in the dim and distant past. A quick reference point is that the ones with the Alvis conversion have the gear lever in the more conventional central position rather than to the right of the driver's thigh.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Ray White



Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 6285
Location: Derby

PostPosted: Tue Sep 29, 2015 1:42 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

That's nice you have an Alvis box. I like the original placement of the RH gear lever; non synchro boxes can take a bit of getting used to but I think double de clutching is a skill worth mastering.

I look forward to seeing more photos. Does the interior feature the intertwined diamond pattern on the door cards?

You obviously have good taste. What other cars have you had?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration. Forum Index -> Classic & Vintage Cars, Lorries, Vans, Motorcycles etc - General Chat All times are GMT + 1 Hour
Goto page 1, 2  Next
Page 1 of 2

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
OCC Merch link
Forum T&C


php BB powered © php BB Grp.