Needle & Seat - Now with some real data!!

[29 Tudor]

Hi all,

I have a '29 with a stock Zenith on it. Periodically, (worse in in HOT weather) when climbing a light hill, it will act like it's running out of fuel. New line, new kit in the stock cast iron filter and it has GOOD flow out of the line at the carb. I pulled the carb apart and it has one of the old needles in it that is captured in the seat by a metal bar across the top (or bottom, depending on how you look at it) of the seat assembly. I was surprised to find that the drop of the needle is only about .025. I can BARELY feel any air when I blow through it. I'm sure that has a lot to do with the starving problem.

In looking at the various web sites for "A" parts, it looks like all the vendors are featuring the "Grose type" inlet assembly. I have read of a number of sticking problems with that design and would really be happy to find a good, HIGH FLOWING needle and seat. Does anyone still make a traditional needle and seat assembly for the old Zenith?

If not, I will have to try to disassemble the needle and seat I have and relieve the stop bar to get more, MUCH more drop on the needle.

Frankly, I'm amazed it runs as well as it does with no more drop than it has on the needle. There CAN'T be much flow through there.

Any thoughts out there?

Thanks,

Steve