[ryanojohn]

So there are two things so far that I haven't figured out... Hell there are more than just two, but these two I figured would be a quick answer from someone on here.

I just picked up a 1972 Coupe and everything is stock, in great condition. There are two knobs in the car that I haven't figured out yet. One is right under the glove box, it's a push pull knob, and there's another on the drivers side, also a push pull knob... Any idea what these are, and what they do?

The other question: The car starts up great, but the more times I start it in a day the longer it takes to start and the rougher the start, but if I leave it overnight it starts up quickly and strong the next morning. Any idea on potential reasons to why this may be?

I'm obviously not a well educated mustang fella just yet, so I may be asking some stupid questions over the next few weeks, I hope you guys don't mind too much...
thanks!

[andrewmp6]

The knobs should open the fresh air vents that suck out of the cowl.

[Veronica]

Hello. The starting thing sounds like either the ignition timing is too far advanced or the starter itself is sort of on its last legs and gets a bit tired when it gets warmed up by the exhaust that is nearly leaning on it. It's probably the timing, though. People like to set the initial timing at idle at like 20 degrees BTDC because they believe this is what they do to 'race cars'. If you have a 302 or a 351 with a 2bbl, the initial timing should be something in 9 degrees BTDC range at idle with the vacuum advance disconnected and plugged. If you have something other than 302 or 351 let us know. Hope that helps.

[The Greek]

A failing ignition coil will start acting up when "Heat Soaked". They will get pretty hot especially if they are mounted to the engine, as a lot of them are. The hotter that the coil's casing gets, the more the coil will be stressed. Just another thing to consider.

[Hensen1954]

depending on how hot it is where you live and how hot the engine gets, you should also look at gas percolation. basically engines hot, you switch off the car and the engine gets hotter. The gas boils and runs down into the engine - flooding it. Cured by heatproof spacer between engine and carb.

[ryanojohn]

how would one test to see if an ignition coil is failing? and what exactly is BTDC?

I'm totally willing to learn what is neccesarry to get this beauty in great running stock condition. I appreciate all the help!! It's weird being in a forum and being the fella that knows nothing :P If you guys have any audio questions, send em my way!! lol

[ryanojohn]

oh and it's certainly not too hot in SF to really cause problems of that magnitude but thank you!