Zenith Carburetor linkage sticking and stiff
 

We have rebuilt the carb and assembled the carb. Recently we got around to replacing the removed parts on the carb to choke lever. When we started, there were no rubber bushings. As we assemble the choke rod seems out of alignment to the carb. The pulling of the choke seems to be binding. it is not being pushed back by the spring. So what do we need to look at as the cause or to remedy it? We have attached a photo of the beginning before the rebuild and we have replaced it as previous. It just seems weird. Suggestions?

Re: Zenith Carburetor linkage sticking and stiff
 

Linkage should be straight. No bends.

Re: Zenith Carburetor linkage sticking and stiff
 

Welcome to the forum!

It should not be stiff. You said this is a beginning picture so I sure hope you got a straight connecting rod and got rid of that big spring. Did you consult any kind of book? Les Andrews has a great book and there are many resources available on line to help guide you through a carb rebuild. The linkage from the foot pedal across the back of he engine to the right side of the car has two little holes for oil. You might check that out.

Re: Zenith Carburetor linkage sticking and stiff
 

I take it you are not the original owner, or at least the owner who was not shy about doing farmer fixes. :rolleyes:

The choke shaft should slide smoothly up and down and be more than compensated by the spring to return to fully open. Did you clean out the shaft that goes over the choke/GAV housing? It may have some crud in it. That gas line with the rubber hose can also be an issue, but Heck, one issue at a time....Lots of farmer fixes in that photo.

Re: Zenith Carburetor linkage sticking and stiff
 

Your engine is sagging for some reason. check your engine mounts.

Re: Zenith Carburetor linkage sticking and stiff
 

What Jackson said..if you have a hand crank slide it in and see if it lines up with the ratchet nut..its a way of checking your engine alignment

Re: Zenith Carburetor linkage sticking and stiff
 

Yes, a sagging engine will cause the choke rod and the GAV assembly to not line up. Good point.

Re: Zenith Carburetor linkage sticking and stiff
 

Or, the body may be mounted too high on the frame. That would do it too.

Re: Zenith Carburetor linkage sticking and stiff
 

I believe the choke rod spring is in the wrong location and not doing anything........
Paul in CT

Re: Zenith Carburetor linkage sticking and stiff
 

You are missing the sleeve by the carburetor for the choke rod that holds it to the GAV. That might do it.

Re: Zenith Carburetor linkage sticking and stiff
 

Looks like you need to obtsain a few extras! ... as above in post #10... you're missing the sleeve, also may the spring is too short or has partially gone through the firewall- the washer should stop that happening. Possibly the choke rod in the pic is a non-original bodge too.

Re: Zenith Carburetor linkage sticking and stiff
 

The spring and sleeve are there in the proper location in the photo. Is this the choke rod set you used or one like it?
https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/P...earchByKeyword

The leather washer and steel cupped washer should allow for some miss alignment the only real place it could be binding maybe is at the support under the gas tank if the grommet is not fully seated. There should be some binding at the gas tank support to prevent the rod from turning by itself from vibration. Maybe post a photo of how it is now not before, with that accelerator return spring out of the way.

Re: Zenith Carburetor linkage sticking and stiff
 

this is the set up with all of the parts on hand. Crooked engine, how's that?

Re: Zenith Carburetor linkage sticking and stiff
 

You are unfortunately right maybe as I do not see anything wrong with the linkage.

Re: Zenith Carburetor linkage sticking and stiff
 

Could be the body is not on exactly right, high/low or left/right. I am working on an off road A with a model T cowl, the least little movement in the cowl will throw the choke rod out of alignment and it will bind, it doesn't take much.

Re: Zenith Carburetor linkage sticking and stiff
 

I was thinking like Sunnybrook Farm. Looks like you are working on a AA.
How does the cowl, hood, and radiator line up?


Bob

Re: Zenith Carburetor linkage sticking and stiff
 

The model A engine and transmission are supported by two box style mounts at the rear and a single 'wishbone'
Style mount at the front..on the back of the transmission is a trunnion that allows the rear suspension to oscillate.Problem is 90 year old box mounts crack,the rubber degrades and the trunnion wont hold it,allowing engine sag...frames sag as well.

Re: Zenith Carburetor linkage sticking and stiff
 

From the picture you just posted, the choke rod is not currently connected to the choke/GAV. Is that just for fisual purposes? Now it does not look to me like you are mis-aligned, but you might still check the choke slider that goes over the GAV to make sure it slides smoothly.

Re: Zenith Carburetor linkage sticking and stiff
 

We shall attempt bumping the cowl back. We have ordered a new spring, tube, and washer for the firewall. There is a gap tank side of the steering wheel clamp which might correspond to the choke rod being forward of the carb connection. The hood and tank seem aligned open to close along with the radiator shroud. Moving the cowl and assembly back away from the engine will also take up some of the extra radiator support rod lengths on top of the radiator, could true that up a bit more to the fan blade.

The sub rails and cab are not in place so that restriction would not be keeping the front sheet metal from moving back.

By laying the choke rod straight out, it appears to be on top of the carburetor, so, a slight 1/4-1/2 inch push backward may be all it needs to reduce the binding.

Any other thoughts team knowledge base?

Re: Zenith Carburetor linkage sticking and stiff
 

Before you start moving things place a jack under the transmission (I use a 2x4 with a hole in it over the drain plug) and attempt to jack the transmission up.If it moves enough to align your choke rod your problem is in your engine mounts.

Or just do this and forget the choke :)

https://i.imgur.com/RnpuTK6.jpg?1