The Ford Barn

mcgarrett · 11-07-2022, 06:26 PM

I recently bought a '30 Roadster that came with a Tillotson carb. I was pleased with its quick starting, throttle response, smoothness, and overall performance at all speed ranges. Just for grins I installed a good running Zenith I had been using on another Model A to see if there was any appreciable difference in performance between them. The Zenith just didn't have the quick throttle response equal to the Tillotson - it seemed like it had asthma. It ran OK, but just wasn't quite as crisp as the Tillotson. Then, a friend gave me a Marvel Schebler. It was in very nice shape and since I had never run one before, I was anxious to check it out. I couldn't believe the enormous difference in throttle response and smoothness. It was like night & day from the Zenith and the Tillotson. The results are in and the Marvel wins hands down! Anyone else had a similar experience?

Synchro909 · 11-07-2022, 06:50 PM

Does the MS carburettor give as good fuel economy as the others I wonder?

Ordsgt · 11-07-2022, 07:27 PM

I have Run professionally rebuilt zenith and nothing is as good as my Marvel. When I would go to car shows people were in awe as to how smooth it idled. Whether at idle at speed or accelerating the Marvel is my favorite.

Ken B · 11-07-2022, 08:30 PM

What model of the Marvel carburetor is for a Model A Ford? Where are they sold?

mcgarrett · 11-07-2022, 09:30 PM

I haven't done any mileage checks on the Marvel yet. However, I'm very impressed with its performance. I'll be watching to see how it does in the mileage department after racking up a few miles. I've seen them at swap meets, but here is a link to one for sale...
https://www.2040-parts.com/-marvel-s...a-ford-i29841/

01A · 11-07-2022, 09:32 PM

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My 29 Tudor came with a Tillotson carb, ran well. I swapped it out for a Marvel carb and have improved performance as others have reported in this and other threads. To answer Synchro909's question on fuel economy I believe the Tillotson was more fuel efficient.
The car performs better with the Marvel.

Ordsgt · 11-07-2022, 09:36 PM

MARVEL SCHEBLER / ALLSTATE 2405 / JOHNSON JFA. I guess they all were sold under those names. Parts and rebuild kits are sold by Renners Corner. Ive mostly seen the marvel carbs on early tractors but these were made for model As. I do not know when they were last produced but are seen for sale pretty regularly on E-Bay or at Model a Meets. I loaned a friend one to replace his filthy Zenith that we rebuilt , now I can't get him to return it. He keeps asking how much to buy it from me he likes it so much.

mcgarrett · 11-07-2022, 09:41 PM

Smith & Jones Model A parts sells rebuilt Marvel Schebler carbs for Model A's on an exchange basis. Here's the link...

http://www.snjparts.com/Model-A-Carb...-9510-mrb.html

jeepguy1948 · 11-08-2022, 01:25 AM

$275 is a LOT if you have to provide a core.

jeepguy1948 · 11-08-2022, 01:33 AM

If Renner (a fantastic guy) has the parts I would rebuild one myself. Just have to find a usable core.....

TomInCologne · 11-08-2022, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcgarrett

I haven't done any mileage checks on the Marvel yet. However, I'm very impressed with its performance. I'll be watching to see how it does in the mileage department after racking up a few miles. I've seen them at swap meets, but here is a link to one for sale...
https://www.2040-parts.com/-marvel-s...a-ford-i29841/

Of course, this was gone within minutes after you sent your post. I was too late, the carb is gone... :-(

1930artdeco · 11-08-2022, 08:13 AM

My experience-for what it is worth is this-My Marvel idles better and runs better than my Zenith. The MPG for my Zenith was about 21 on one tour on the freeway and the Marvel gets 17-19ish. The Model B will give you more power-if you hog the intake out-but your MPG will suffer. To me the Marvel is the best of both the A and B worlds, I have never used a Tillitson so cannot speak about them.

Mike

goodcar · 11-08-2022, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcgarrett

I recently bought a '30 Roadster that came with a Tillotson carb. I was pleased with its quick starting, throttle response, smoothness, and overall performance at all speed ranges. Just for grins I installed a good running Zenith I had been using on another Model A to see if there was any appreciable difference in performance between them. The Zenith just didn't have the quick throttle response equal to the Tillotson - it seemed like it had asthma. It ran OK, but just wasn't quite as crisp as the Tillotson. Then, a friend gave me a Marvel Schebler. It was in very nice shape and since I had never run one before, I was anxious to check it out. I couldn't believe the enormous difference in throttle response and smoothness. It was like night & day from the Zenith and the Tillotson. The results are in and the Marvel wins hands down! Anyone else had a similar experience?

I have a Marvel from the guy in Texas. Unfortunately, it leaks. Any ideas??

mcgarrett · 11-08-2022, 10:23 AM

Do you know where the leak is coming from? Could be leaking due to a warped bowl cover, worn threads at the fuel line inlet fittings, GAV adjustment sleeve threads, or others. These folks sell repair parts for Marvel carbs:

https://rennerscorner.com/index.html

goodcar · 11-08-2022, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcgarrett

Do you know where the leak is coming from? Could be leaking due to a warped bowl cover, worn threads at the fuel line inlet fittings, GAV adjustment sleeve threads, or others. These folks sell repair parts for Marvel carbs:

https://rennerscorner.com/index.html

I will need to do more looking, haven't tried it since. This was rebuilt and sold by the Texas guy who was supposed to have a good reputation regarding his rebuilds. I think he may have passed away this past year or so. I'm not trashing him. This might be a simple fix. I didn't see anything obvious at the time, but maybe just needs the float adjusted.

mcgarrett · 11-08-2022, 03:20 PM

goodcar,

Yep, might just be something easy.

Herb Concord Ca · 11-08-2022, 06:58 PM

I've run a Marvel for years, on my Slant T/S the Marvel is the only carb that allows my A/C to run at idle without stalling the motor.

mcgarrett · 11-08-2022, 08:42 PM

It's interesting to hear about Model A folks that have so many good things to say about the Marvel (me included). I'll admit I didn't know much about them until recently. I wonder what is different about them that make them run so much better than the Zenith or Tillotson?

Ordsgt · 11-08-2022, 08:51 PM

I believe it is a simpler design. The old KISS principle. Just 2 jets a high speed and low speed.

Y-Blockhead · 11-08-2022, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcgarrett

It's interesting to hear about Model A folks that have so many good things to say about the Marvel (me included). I'll admit I didn't know much about them until recently. I wonder what is different about them that make them run so much better than the Zenith or Tillotson?

IMO it is because it is a more 'modern' design, using an emulsion tube in place of the various jets used in a Zenith. Also the float swings from the side instead of the front to back as in a Zenith.

As a side tidbit, Burt Pierce, the founder of Marvel Carburetors, also invented Marvel Mystery Oil to keep 'his' carburetors clean.

11-07-2022, 06:26 PM	#1
mcgarrett Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Waxahachie, Texas Posts: 949	Marvel is my favorite carburetor! I recently bought a '30 Roadster that came with a Tillotson carb. I was pleased with its quick starting, throttle response, smoothness, and overall performance at all speed ranges. Just for grins I installed a good running Zenith I had been using on another Model A to see if there was any appreciable difference in performance between them. The Zenith just didn't have the quick throttle response equal to the Tillotson - it seemed like it had asthma. It ran OK, but just wasn't quite as crisp as the Tillotson. Then, a friend gave me a Marvel Schebler. It was in very nice shape and since I had never run one before, I was anxious to check it out. I couldn't believe the enormous difference in throttle response and smoothness. It was like night & day from the Zenith and the Tillotson. The results are in and the Marvel wins hands down! Anyone else had a similar experience?

11-07-2022, 06:50 PM	#2
Synchro909 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 7,496	Re: Marvel is my favorite carburetor! Does the MS carburettor give as good fuel economy as the others I wonder? __________________ I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood.

11-07-2022, 07:27 PM	#3
Ordsgt Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Yorktown Virginia Posts: 182	Re: Marvel is my favorite carburetor! I have Run professionally rebuilt zenith and nothing is as good as my Marvel. When I would go to car shows people were in awe as to how smooth it idled. Whether at idle at speed or accelerating the Marvel is my favorite.

11-07-2022, 08:30 PM	#4
Ken B Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Plover, WI Posts: 261	Re: Marvel is my favorite carburetor! What model of the Marvel carburetor is for a Model A Ford? Where are they sold?

11-07-2022, 09:30 PM	#5
mcgarrett Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Waxahachie, Texas Posts: 949	Re: Marvel is my favorite carburetor! I haven't done any mileage checks on the Marvel yet. However, I'm very impressed with its performance. I'll be watching to see how it does in the mileage department after racking up a few miles. I've seen them at swap meets, but here is a link to one for sale... https://www.2040-parts.com/-marvel-s...a-ford-i29841/

11-07-2022, 09:32 PM	#6
01A Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Aston, Pa Posts: 13	Re: Marvel is my favorite carburetor! Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) My 29 Tudor came with a Tillotson carb, ran well. I swapped it out for a Marvel carb and have improved performance as others have reported in this and other threads. To answer Synchro909's question on fuel economy I believe the Tillotson was more fuel efficient. The car performs better with the Marvel.

11-07-2022, 09:36 PM	#7
Ordsgt Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Yorktown Virginia Posts: 182	Re: Marvel is my favorite carburetor! MARVEL SCHEBLER / ALLSTATE 2405 / JOHNSON JFA. I guess they all were sold under those names. Parts and rebuild kits are sold by Renners Corner. Ive mostly seen the marvel carbs on early tractors but these were made for model As. I do not know when they were last produced but are seen for sale pretty regularly on E-Bay or at Model a Meets. I loaned a friend one to replace his filthy Zenith that we rebuilt , now I can't get him to return it. He keeps asking how much to buy it from me he likes it so much.

11-07-2022, 09:41 PM	#8
mcgarrett Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Waxahachie, Texas Posts: 949	Re: Marvel is my favorite carburetor! Smith & Jones Model A parts sells rebuilt Marvel Schebler carbs for Model A's on an exchange basis. Here's the link... http://www.snjparts.com/Model-A-Carb...-9510-mrb.html

11-08-2022, 01:25 AM	#9
jeepguy1948 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2022 Posts: 721	Re: Marvel is my favorite carburetor! $275 is a LOT if you have to provide a core.

11-08-2022, 01:33 AM	#10
jeepguy1948 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2022 Posts: 721	Re: Marvel is my favorite carburetor! If Renner (a fantastic guy) has the parts I would rebuild one myself. Just have to find a usable core.....

11-08-2022, 08:13 AM	#12
1930artdeco Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lynden, Wa Posts: 3,552	Re: Marvel is my favorite carburetor! My experience-for what it is worth is this-My Marvel idles better and runs better than my Zenith. The MPG for my Zenith was about 21 on one tour on the freeway and the Marvel gets 17-19ish. The Model B will give you more power-if you hog the intake out-but your MPG will suffer. To me the Marvel is the best of both the A and B worlds, I have never used a Tillitson so cannot speak about them. Mike __________________ 1930 TownSedan (Briggs) 1957 Country Sedan

11-08-2022, 10:23 AM	#14
mcgarrett Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Waxahachie, Texas Posts: 949	Re: Marvel is my favorite carburetor! Do you know where the leak is coming from? Could be leaking due to a warped bowl cover, worn threads at the fuel line inlet fittings, GAV adjustment sleeve threads, or others. These folks sell repair parts for Marvel carbs: https://rennerscorner.com/index.html

11-08-2022, 03:20 PM	#16
mcgarrett Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Waxahachie, Texas Posts: 949	Re: Marvel is my favorite carburetor! goodcar, Yep, might just be something easy.

11-08-2022, 06:58 PM	#17
Herb Concord Ca Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Concord CA Posts: 637	Re: Marvel is my favorite carburetor! I've run a Marvel for years, on my Slant T/S the Marvel is the only carb that allows my A/C to run at idle without stalling the motor.

11-08-2022, 08:42 PM	#18
mcgarrett Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Waxahachie, Texas Posts: 949	Re: Marvel is my favorite carburetor! It's interesting to hear about Model A folks that have so many good things to say about the Marvel (me included). I'll admit I didn't know much about them until recently. I wonder what is different about them that make them run so much better than the Zenith or Tillotson?

11-08-2022, 08:51 PM	#19
Ordsgt Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Yorktown Virginia Posts: 182	Re: Marvel is my favorite carburetor! I believe it is a simpler design. The old KISS principle. Just 2 jets a high speed and low speed.