Re: starts but won't run
 

You will have to get both carbs working together if you want it to run.

Blocking one carb off does not mean it will run on the other.

Even though the manifold may have a cross-over tube that is more for balance than to allow it to run on one carb.

I have a dual carb MGA and if one carb drops off for whatever reason it will just barely run on the other if at all. It too has a cross-over tube between the carbs.

Re: starts but won't run
 

The condenser is a good point, they can do strange things. Have you checked you are getting a bright blue spark from your coil, I would check all four plugs. I assume once it is starting you are moving the spark rod hitting the accelerator and what effect does that have - it could be too far retarded. By pulling the choke this makes the motor pull fuel into the motor and why I suggested an air leak but it also helps the motor pull it down from the tank which would indicate a restriction or float issue. Dual carbs do change the problem, have you gone through the process with tuning these idle and idle mixtures. Are you sure your cam was set correctly, maybe do a compression test and see how it lines up with the distributor.

Re: starts but won't run
 

You said turned to #1 points just closed. You want it so the points are just opening with the spark fully retarded.

Re: starts but won't run
 

I agree. Put it back to stock with the original carburetor and manifold and get it running well that way. Then you can tinker with a different set up. Too many variables this way trying to get a car to run for the "first" time.

Re: starts but won't run
 

That doesn't look like any Tillotson I've ever seen, but they might have made carbs for the Model A other than the Model X.

Re: starts but won't run
 

I've had numerous problems with my machine, would run for a few minutes, then it would not run at all. Me, I found out I know nothing about the car despite tinkering with it for 10 years - it runs ok now and I swear it is because I took the advice given to me here on the forum by more than one - "most carb problems are electrical!"

I replaced the distributor!

Re: starts but won't run
 

You left out very important info in your initial post. It is hard to give relevant advice when we don't have all the facts and don't know what your setup is. As George says, two carbs changes everything, and two Tillies complicates the problem even further. But I'll take some blame for assuming we were dealing with a stock system. Messing with Henry's engineering always runs the risk of problems, especially before you are familiar with how the car runs stock. Take the dual carbs off and install your stock manifolds and Zenith.

Re: starts but won't run
 

Two carbs can be a big problem dialing them in. It is not as easy as bolting on two carbs. The manifold makes a difference, carbs also. It is not that easy to get them to work right on a stock engine. My advice is go back to stock, get it running right, then try out your dual set up. You might be better off with a B carb and a bored out intake.

Re: starts but won't run
 

The picture looks like a Marvel Schrebler... not a Tillotson... (for what it's worth).

Re: starts but won't run
 

Thanks, I'll look up the Marvel carb. I've been told that Marvel carbs were pretty good carbs, and if I can find info about them maybe I can get these things to work eventually.

Re: starts but won't run
 

Several of my fellow club members and I all use Marvel carbs. Renners Corners makes parts and will rebuild the carbs for you.