The Ford Barn

TreeTopFlier · 06-29-2012, 10:14 PM

Ok. She's all tuned up and running great... but as per norm the motor stalls out during stops. Zenith carb.

What are your tricks to prevent this? Mechanical fixes, operator tricks etc..

Thank you.

steve s · 06-29-2012, 10:23 PM

After numerous original carburetor rebuilds and ignition modernizations and getting in the habit of pulling down the hand throttle a notch or two every time I was about to stop, here's what finally solved the problem for me:

Steve

Mike V. Florida · 06-29-2012, 10:25 PM

Here is a nice chart for carb problems; CLICK ON HERE

mass A man · 06-29-2012, 11:25 PM

Steve, It IS possible to drive the A with the old Zenith carb without any problems. I, too, was one day away from popping for that same "fugly" replacement carb! I had your same problem too with the stalling out at stops. I had a few "good looking" Zeniths on my truck at different times with no luck. The last one I bought on E-bay from a self proclaimed Zenith carb re-builder from Ct. That ended up to be the worst "rebuild" I've ever seen. I came to that assumption when the float came off it's hinge because he used a skinny rusted wire for the float pin. I decided to invest in a gallon can of Berrymans Chem-Dip carburetor cleaner and a set of new brass plugs for the Zenith passageways. Drilled out the old plugs, everything went in the cleaner-- It boiled!--followed directions on can, installed and set up the carb and EUREKA! No more stalling at stops, Excellent power too! This is in no way to infer on your decision to go with the new carb you bought, I almost went in that direction too, but I've also got an old, mostly original Ford and wanted to keep it that way.

2manycars · 06-30-2012, 05:24 AM

I use a model B carb. The float swings from side to side, not front to back like the A carb, so the stalling at stop is not an issue with the B carb.

peters180a/170b · 06-30-2012, 05:35 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I gave a shot to Passing Gas carb. rebuilding and met Neil at a A.A.C.A.National meet with his Model "A' pickup .NO problems on any account.

steve s · 06-30-2012, 08:35 AM

massAman,

I totally understand the desire to keep it original and am glad you have been able to get it to work. I didn't mention that prior to getting the carb in my photo, I used one of the brand new exact repro Zenith-1's, and it was far superior to any of the rebuilds. I also tried a few "professionally" rebuild B carbs. Also, in my original post I was trying to avoid using the inflammatory V-word, but here goes. My new Zenith-1 worked pretty well except under vapor lock conditions, then it took some rather furious fiddling with the hand throttle to keep it from dying when, and after, stopping. The ugly carb fixed all of that, and now it's looking prettier and prettier to me.

Steve

HoarseWhisperer · 06-30-2012, 10:24 AM

I have original Zeniths on two vehicles, plus two spares I carry in each.

At one time they all slowed, or stalled upon braking to a stop.

Replacing worn throttle shafts was the cure on 3 of them, resizing jets on the other.

No more stalling or futzing to keep it running. I'm a happy camper.

AKsportcoupe · 06-30-2012, 11:47 AM

Easiest fix is to put in a new throttle shaft on the carb. As they wear, they leak air.

mass A man · 06-30-2012, 06:56 PM

I hear what you say Steve. You can always paint it black.

J Franklin · 06-30-2012, 08:06 PM

I bought one of the modern carbs and they work with filters well and seems to return to idle a bit faster. Alas, I can't fiddle with a GAV, so now it's pretty boring driving it.

JtownJoe · 06-30-2012, 09:04 PM

I too bought one of the New Zeniths & its the best $ for good running ratio I've ever spent. Only complaint is can't get more than about 14 to 15 MPG but it is a good running carburator if your not a purist & just want to enjoy driving the A trouble free. I also must say if I could actually find a perfect old one I would rather use it, but have spent too much $ on rebuilds without finding one. The real bonus is if you have an attached garage , NO MORE GAS SMELL OR DRIPPING

HoarseWhisperer · 07-01-2012, 09:13 AM

I average 15-16 mpg on the Pickup and 20-21 mpg on the Roadster.

I too used to spend way to much money on rebuilds with less than satisfactory results.

With nothing to lose, I decided to refer to the many carb resource books and rebuild myself. Not that difficult on a good casting, even for me with limited mechanical skills.

Good performance with no stalling, no hesitation, no smell or leaks.

With perseverance, it can be done by the "do it your self'er" and the satisfaction that results.

ericr · 07-01-2012, 11:07 AM

isn't stalling upon braking usually caused by the float being set too high?

HoarseWhisperer · 07-01-2012, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ericr

isn't stalling upon braking usually caused by the float being set too high?

Engine dies when vehicle comes to a stop

Common Causes

Float is set too high or a pin hole absorbs gasoline into float.
Compensator Jet Orifice contains dirt or rust, or is too small.
Idling Jet Orifice contains dirt or rust, or is too small.
Idle Air Adjust Screw is mis-adjusted or too short, collapsing spring before it seats.
Throttle Idle Adjustment Screw is mis-adjusted.
Upper Casting Idle Jet Passage is restricted to Idle throat port.

courtesy of:

http://www.model-a.org/symptoms.html

as mentioned previously, if there is any slop in throttle shaft fit, it will stall. Easy fix.

Doug in NJ · 07-01-2012, 06:35 PM

My carb used to do that. Then I did one more round of adjustments, and it was OK. I think it is necessary to be sure that the idle circuit is working properly. If it is trying to idle with fuel from the main or cap jets, it can be sensitive to the changing fuel level. But the idle circuit is driven by the strong vacuum above the throttle plate, which will overwhelm any small change in fuel level.

TudooR31 · 09-01-2012, 05:03 PM

Steve, I have the same carb. How do you adjust idle, lean/rich?

TudooR31 · 09-02-2012, 12:38 AM

Steve S, I found your post with the directions... thanks.

29restorod · 09-02-2012, 09:30 AM

A Stromberg "97" made my "A" run much better.

Chris in CT · 09-02-2012, 11:03 AM

Hi Tree Top,
Your A is stalling because the idle setting is too lean. Easy way - turn IN the idle screw all the way - gently - then turn it out 1 1/2 turns. If stalling hasn't stopped, turn it in 1/4 way at a time until it does. If it still stalls, then you have a clogged idle jet. You'll have to clean it out... Happy Motoring!

06-29-2012, 10:14 PM	#1
TreeTopFlier Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Willamette Valley, Oregon Posts: 55	what are your tricks to prevent stalls during braking Ok. She's all tuned up and running great... but as per norm the motor stalls out during stops. Zenith carb. What are your tricks to prevent this? Mechanical fixes, operator tricks etc.. Thank you. __________________ Oregon Enduring A's Chapter MAFCA

06-29-2012, 10:23 PM	#2
steve s Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Kalamazoo Posts: 1,656	Re: what are your tricks to prevent stalls during braking After numerous original carburetor rebuilds and ignition modernizations and getting in the habit of pulling down the hand throttle a notch or two every time I was about to stop, here's what finally solved the problem for me: Steve

06-29-2012, 10:25 PM	#3
Mike V. Florida Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South Florida Posts: 14,054	Re: what are your tricks to prevent stalls during braking Here is a nice chart for carb problems; CLICK ON HERE __________________ What's right about America is that although we have a mess of problems, we have great capacity - intellect and resources - to do some thing about them. - Henry Ford II

06-29-2012, 11:25 PM	#4
mass A man Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Danvers, Ma. Posts: 715	Re: what are your tricks to prevent stalls during braking Steve, It IS possible to drive the A with the old Zenith carb without any problems. I, too, was one day away from popping for that same "fugly" replacement carb! I had your same problem too with the stalling out at stops. I had a few "good looking" Zeniths on my truck at different times with no luck. The last one I bought on E-bay from a self proclaimed Zenith carb re-builder from Ct. That ended up to be the worst "rebuild" I've ever seen. I came to that assumption when the float came off it's hinge because he used a skinny rusted wire for the float pin. I decided to invest in a gallon can of Berrymans Chem-Dip carburetor cleaner and a set of new brass plugs for the Zenith passageways. Drilled out the old plugs, everything went in the cleaner-- It boiled!--followed directions on can, installed and set up the carb and EUREKA! No more stalling at stops, Excellent power too! This is in no way to infer on your decision to go with the new carb you bought, I almost went in that direction too, but I've also got an old, mostly original Ford and wanted to keep it that way.

06-30-2012, 05:24 AM	#5
2manycars Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Eastern CT Posts: 2,732	Re: what are your tricks to prevent stalls during braking I use a model B carb. The float swings from side to side, not front to back like the A carb, so the stalling at stop is not an issue with the B carb.

06-30-2012, 05:35 AM	#6
peters180a/170b Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Putnam Valley N.Y. Posts: 2,151	Re: what are your tricks to prevent stalls during braking Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I gave a shot to Passing Gas carb. rebuilding and met Neil at a A.A.C.A.National meet with his Model "A' pickup .NO problems on any account.

06-30-2012, 08:35 AM	#7
steve s Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Kalamazoo Posts: 1,656	Re: what are your tricks to prevent stalls during braking massAman, I totally understand the desire to keep it original and am glad you have been able to get it to work. I didn't mention that prior to getting the carb in my photo, I used one of the brand new exact repro Zenith-1's, and it was far superior to any of the rebuilds. I also tried a few "professionally" rebuild B carbs. Also, in my original post I was trying to avoid using the inflammatory V-word, but here goes. My new Zenith-1 worked pretty well except under vapor lock conditions, then it took some rather furious fiddling with the hand throttle to keep it from dying when, and after, stopping. The ugly carb fixed all of that, and now it's looking prettier and prettier to me. Steve

06-30-2012, 10:24 AM	#8
HoarseWhisperer Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,470	Re: what are your tricks to prevent stalls during braking I have original Zeniths on two vehicles, plus two spares I carry in each. At one time they all slowed, or stalled upon braking to a stop. Replacing worn throttle shafts was the cure on 3 of them, resizing jets on the other. No more stalling or futzing to keep it running. I'm a happy camper. __________________ I know a lot of things; I just can't remember them all. 1928 CCPU 82-A 1931 Roadster 40-B Dlx (Canadian)

06-30-2012, 11:47 AM	#9
AKsportcoupe Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Gustavus, Alaska Posts: 48	Re: what are your tricks to prevent stalls during braking Easiest fix is to put in a new throttle shaft on the carb. As they wear, they leak air.

06-30-2012, 06:56 PM	#10
mass A man Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Danvers, Ma. Posts: 715	Re: what are your tricks to prevent stalls during braking I hear what you say Steve. You can always paint it black.

06-30-2012, 08:06 PM	#11
J Franklin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 6,013	Re: what are your tricks to prevent stalls during braking I bought one of the modern carbs and they work with filters well and seems to return to idle a bit faster. Alas, I can't fiddle with a GAV, so now it's pretty boring driving it.

06-30-2012, 09:04 PM	#12
JtownJoe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Johnstown, PA Posts: 343	Re: what are your tricks to prevent stalls during braking I too bought one of the New Zeniths & its the best $ for good running ratio I've ever spent. Only complaint is can't get more than about 14 to 15 MPG but it is a good running carburator if your not a purist & just want to enjoy driving the A trouble free. I also must say if I could actually find a perfect old one I would rather use it, but have spent too much $ on rebuilds without finding one. The real bonus is if you have an attached garage , NO MORE GAS SMELL OR DRIPPING

07-01-2012, 09:13 AM	#13
HoarseWhisperer Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,470	Re: what are your tricks to prevent stalls during braking I average 15-16 mpg on the Pickup and 20-21 mpg on the Roadster. I too used to spend way to much money on rebuilds with less than satisfactory results. With nothing to lose, I decided to refer to the many carb resource books and rebuild myself. Not that difficult on a good casting, even for me with limited mechanical skills. Good performance with no stalling, no hesitation, no smell or leaks. With perseverance, it can be done by the "do it your self'er" and the satisfaction that results. __________________ I know a lot of things; I just can't remember them all. 1928 CCPU 82-A 1931 Roadster 40-B Dlx (Canadian)

07-01-2012, 11:07 AM	#14
ericr Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 1,542	Re: what are your tricks to prevent stalls during braking isn't stalling upon braking usually caused by the float being set too high?

07-01-2012, 06:35 PM	#16
Doug in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Princeton, NJ Posts: 965	Re: what are your tricks to prevent stalls during braking My carb used to do that. Then I did one more round of adjustments, and it was OK. I think it is necessary to be sure that the idle circuit is working properly. If it is trying to idle with fuel from the main or cap jets, it can be sensitive to the changing fuel level. But the idle circuit is driven by the strong vacuum above the throttle plate, which will overwhelm any small change in fuel level. __________________ My '31 S/W sedan project:http://31ford.dougbraun.com My restoration diary: http://dougbraun.com/blog

09-01-2012, 05:03 PM	#17
TudooR31 Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 87	Re: what are your tricks to prevent stalls during braking Steve, I have the same carb. How do you adjust idle, lean/rich?

09-02-2012, 12:38 AM	#18
TudooR31 Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 87	Re: what are your tricks to prevent stalls during braking Steve S, I found your post with the directions... thanks.

09-02-2012, 09:30 AM	#19
29restorod Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: South East Michigan Posts: 229	Re: what are your tricks to prevent stalls during braking A Stromberg "97" made my "A" run much better. __________________ If you think SBC's are "Old School" you are not old enough.

09-02-2012, 11:03 AM	#20
Chris in CT Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Connecticut Posts: 272	Re: what are your tricks to prevent stalls during braking Hi Tree Top, Your A is stalling because the idle setting is too lean. Easy way - turn IN the idle screw all the way - gently - then turn it out 1 1/2 turns. If stalling hasn't stopped, turn it in 1/4 way at a time until it does. If it still stalls, then you have a clogged idle jet. You'll have to clean it out... Happy Motoring!