The Ford Barn

Kevin in NJ · 12-17-2016, 03:15 PM

You know I read a lot about people replacing the valves in their carbs during a rebuild.

My question is, how bad are the original Zenith valves?

Should they just be replaced with something new?

Of course I do not say this so much off the hip. I have a pile of original valves so I took a few apart. They looked fine. You have a metal to metal shut off that seemed to work fine for a long time back in the day.
Why should they work less today?

I know everyone just replaces them today, but do they really need to replace them? Like the points should they only be replaced when they fail?

I also read about the new stuff failing too, so are you really better off?

Now let me add, I would like to hear from extensive experience people. If you have had one car and a valve went bad that is not much of a data point.
If you have had a bad valve did you take it apart to see what was bad?

Thanks,

Kevin

Rancho Deluxe · 12-17-2016, 03:59 PM

There has been many times I have installed a new one & it leaked by. This includes all types made, I think ?.. Have gone back to my old supply, taken out of used 40 years ago or more, put the in a can of carb. cleaner for a hour or two & bingo, works fine.. Picture shows one I think is old and has # on it, never seen that before..

Tom Wesenberg · 12-17-2016, 05:02 PM

In 1992 my original valve lost 10 gallons of gas over the winter. I saw no easy way to get it apart, but I pushed toothpaste into it and spun it on my lathe or drill press. It's been perfect ever since. I plan to only use original valves in all my carbs.

Rancho Deluxe · 12-17-2016, 05:31 PM

Ok, Thank you !! Now what if any difference would it make using a #54 in a Zenith for a Model A ?

forever4 · 12-17-2016, 06:14 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Rancho Deluxe

Ok, Thank you !! Now what if any difference would it make using a #54 in a Zenith for a Model A ?

The 54 is a larger orifice diameter for use with an unpressurized fuel supply (gravity).
Zenith determined that the smaller 44 was appropriate for use with a fuel pump.

http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/ZenithBvalve.htm

12-17-2016, 03:15 PM	#1
Kevin in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South East NJ Posts: 3,398	Float valves, How bad are they? You know I read a lot about people replacing the valves in their carbs during a rebuild. My question is, how bad are the original Zenith valves? Should they just be replaced with something new? Of course I do not say this so much off the hip. I have a pile of original valves so I took a few apart. They looked fine. You have a metal to metal shut off that seemed to work fine for a long time back in the day. Why should they work less today? I know everyone just replaces them today, but do they really need to replace them? Like the points should they only be replaced when they fail? I also read about the new stuff failing too, so are you really better off? Now let me add, I would like to hear from extensive experience people. If you have had one car and a valve went bad that is not much of a data point. If you have had a bad valve did you take it apart to see what was bad? Thanks, Kevin

12-17-2016, 05:02 PM	#3
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Float valves, How bad are they? In 1992 my original valve lost 10 gallons of gas over the winter. I saw no easy way to get it apart, but I pushed toothpaste into it and spun it on my lathe or drill press. It's been perfect ever since. I plan to only use original valves in all my carbs.

12-17-2016, 05:31 PM	#4
Rancho Deluxe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Maryland Posts: 145	Re: Float valves, How bad are they? Ok, Thank you !! Now what if any difference would it make using a #54 in a Zenith for a Model A ?