Another carb needs repair

[Randall]

Have one with the gas line inlet threads stripped out, anyone ever helicoil?

[Gary WA]

Originally Posted by Randall

Have one with the gas line inlet threads stripped out, anyone ever helicoil?

No, but what type zenith?

[Hitman]

Those threads are for compression fittings. I’m not sure heli coils are made for a compression fitting to properly work. I don’t think time serts are made for that application either.

I’d look for a replacement top, even if it’s a sidebowl top. I’d rather have comfort in knowing the repair won’t fail in the future with leaks or breaking off.

[johnbuckley]

The inlet thread is standard 1/2-20 thread (same as the strainer), But IMHO there is insufficient metal around it to successfully helicoil...but may be try?... or may be try to extend the threads deeper? So what have you got to loose?. However, I totally agree a replacement upper casting is best.

[Randall]

Thanks, going to try heli coil as I already have so I have nothing to lose,

[katy]

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Originally Posted by Randall

Thanks, going to try heli coil as I already have so I have nothing to lose,

Please report back and let the community know how it worked out. Tnks

[Gary WA]

Originally Posted by Randall

Thanks, going to try heli coil as I already have so I have nothing to lose,

Article i found in my Library!

[johnbuckley]

Originally Posted by Gary WA

Article i found in my Library!

Yes , That's from Paul Moller's Model A Carb book. The last line of the first para reinforces my wariness of helicoiling the fuel inlet. But as you say Randall- worth a try nevertheless- nothing to lose!

[mercman from oz]

Cheaper by the Dozen? - Gary WA

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by katy

Please report back and let the community know how it worked out. Tnks

Since Randall is one of VERY few YouTube content suppliers that I have seen who actually publishes correct and complete topic content, I am sure he will.

[mcgarrett]

I did a Heli-coil repair to the fuel inlet threads on a Tillotson and so far, it's doing fine with no leaks. I used a "bottoming" tap instead of a regular tap because there's a danger that the extended pilot tip on a regular tap could get into the compression ball fitting area and cut into it before you got enough good threads cut and perhaps ruining the seal. You could always grind the end off a regular tap to allow you to cut plenty of good threads further down the hole. Since you'll be cutting into cast iron, be sure to take your time, use cutting oil, and check your progress frequently especially at the start to make sure your tap is going squarely into the hole. Good luck!

[Jeff in BC]

Another option may be to use Loctite PC 3967 for stripped threads.

Jeff

[Hitman]

As is typically the case, we respond with missing info. I don’t use Tillotson carbs, so my comments apply to the factory issued Zenith carbs.

[Randall]

No problem repairing the carb.

https://youtu.be/z0joXVJ0UwY?si=gO028xp2E3kordGQ

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by Randall

No problem repairing the carb.

https://youtu.be/z0joXVJ0UwY?si=gO028xp2E3kordGQ

You know, I watched this about 30 minutes after you had uploaded it this morning, and I really fought the urge to jump to the end to see if it actually worked, ...but I watched it thru to the end. Kudos on a great video.


On a side note, a lot of naysayers including some professional authors said this repair either couldn't -or shouldn't be done. Social media is full of people who (IMHO) lack the skills to be able to perform such a task and therefore choose to publicly discourage others (-who unlike them might have those skills) and tell them it can't be done. This thread should be a lesson to everyone, including me that this is bad for the hobby.

One of the best pieces of advice I ever heard regarding the craft of Restoration was from an old man (I was probably 7 or 8 years old at the time so everyone was old back then! ) was that I should approach everything on a restoration project as if it was the only one on the planet and no replacement parts were available. That meant that every item had to be restored or repaired. I remember my dad & I talking about that on the way home that night and I have thought about and tried to follow that advice throughout my career as a restorer. For each task that we use that mindset on, we not only learn(ed) new skills, but we became a better problem solver in other areas of life. In the case of Randall's customer's carburetor, Randall could have told his customer that the carburetor could not be repaired but instead he 'restored' the carburetor and gained the knowledge and confidence to repair others leaking carbs. Again, great job Randall!!

[johnbuckley]

Originally Posted by Randall

No problem repairing the carb.

https://youtu.be/z0joXVJ0UwY?si=gO028xp2E3kordGQ

Very impressive ... enough to change my mind! It can be done successfully, after all!

[Planojc]

Great job and great video.

[Randall]

Thanks ! glad you enjoyed!

[Randall]

Thanks Brent!!

[Rob Doe]

I have watched every Model A video Randal has on his channel. Some multiple times. I, too, watched his video a couple hours after he posted. Way to go Randall! Keep 'em comin', I get a little smarter every time.

Rob