12-08-2019, 06:25 PM
To answer your first question, the Rubies had automatic advance, so you don't have to think about advancing or retarding the ignition to get it started, it is just a case of turning the ignition switch on, pulling out the choke and then pulling the starter - assuming everything is in order it will fire up - if it does not run, then checking everything is set-up properly (the 750MC companion book - green cover - is useful, as are the "Pitmans" books - eBay - or the Woodrow manual, along with the A7 websites mentioned above).
As for using the starter handle, you have an electric starter motor... if you do use the starter handle, really important that your thumb is on the same side as your fingers, so if it kicks back it does not hurt... others advocate using the left hand as an extra insurance against injury.
I use standard unleaded petrol, at the time these engines were developed, unleaded did not exist, this was introduced in the 1930's (back in the days owners worried about the effect of fuel additives on their engines - sound familiar?), so should be fine, octane rating is much higher than pre-war.
Red light is the ignition warning light, will glow when the engine is idling and the dynamo is not putting out much of a charge, same as a modern car, but with an alternator, there is always a charge so it is only red when the ignition is turned on.
The black knob is for dashboard illumination, David Cochrane on his website has handbooks that you can download at
http://www.a7c.co.uk/spares.php#bookshop
High/low charge is for the rate of charge to the battery, during the summer, the load on the battery is less than in the winter as demand for lights, windscreen wiper is less, manual adjustment is required...
If the brakes are original, they will be mechanical, if someone has altered them to hydraulic they will be different, you need to have a look underneath to see what you have got!
Good luck with your car, these are a lot of fun and addictive! These cars are well supported with new & secondhand spares and are very useable, even in modern traffic, a few modifications make them even more so!
As for using the starter handle, you have an electric starter motor... if you do use the starter handle, really important that your thumb is on the same side as your fingers, so if it kicks back it does not hurt... others advocate using the left hand as an extra insurance against injury.
I use standard unleaded petrol, at the time these engines were developed, unleaded did not exist, this was introduced in the 1930's (back in the days owners worried about the effect of fuel additives on their engines - sound familiar?), so should be fine, octane rating is much higher than pre-war.
Red light is the ignition warning light, will glow when the engine is idling and the dynamo is not putting out much of a charge, same as a modern car, but with an alternator, there is always a charge so it is only red when the ignition is turned on.
The black knob is for dashboard illumination, David Cochrane on his website has handbooks that you can download at
http://www.a7c.co.uk/spares.php#bookshop
High/low charge is for the rate of charge to the battery, during the summer, the load on the battery is less than in the winter as demand for lights, windscreen wiper is less, manual adjustment is required...
If the brakes are original, they will be mechanical, if someone has altered them to hydraulic they will be different, you need to have a look underneath to see what you have got!
Good luck with your car, these are a lot of fun and addictive! These cars are well supported with new & secondhand spares and are very useable, even in modern traffic, a few modifications make them even more so!