Zenith or Tillotson

[JD 1931]

Zenith, when built correctly...

[Spooky Two]

Having just cleaned up my Tilly a couple of days ago... just this bit of advice. Be very gentle with threads... screw out a quarter turn, then in a quarter turn, and out a half turn, then in a quarter turn, and continue this until apart. Please take care of the thick gasket... I find the "kit" gasket too thin. And level/flat your body... 1200 wet/dry paper on a perfect V8 flywheel works with soft round strokes. Only sand enough to show the high spots as less. And yes be careful not to over tighten anything, especially the bottom plug! Also, connect your fuel line ...then mount the carb to intake. Snug all tight after in place.
Be kind to your Tillotson... and your Tillotson will be kind to you

[David R.]

Thanks spooky and everyone else who responded. I will be careful. I have rebuilt a few pot metal carbs over the years and know how fragile those threads can be. This one looks pretty good externally and since it’s what I have I will go with it for now.

[Ernie Vitucci]

Good Morning all...My own experience has been that all of the after market carburetors from back in the day work well if they are set up properly...same with the Zenith carburetors...and that is the key...set up properly...often hard to do...even a new Zenith might need minor tinkering...some definitely do and others are just fine out of the box. Just about the same with people in my humble opinion! Ernie in Arizona