06-08-2016, 05:35 PM | #1 |
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30 Zenith Carb
My 30 appears to have a carb problem. Idles great but put it under load and it starts coughing back through the carb. Forum member and I think it is acting like a float problem. Has good fuel flow. No starting probs, no overheating issues. Tried numerous GAV settings all to no avail. I have read that a sticky/hung float can exhibit symptoms like this. Now to the point I could not make it 1/8th of a mile back to the driveway this morning . Thanks
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06-08-2016, 05:59 PM | #2 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
If this just started, I would suspect it's not the carb. My first thought is condenser.
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06-08-2016, 06:01 PM | #3 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Are the points gapped ok
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06-08-2016, 08:28 PM | #4 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
In the model A world 85% of the carburetor problems are electrically generated.
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06-09-2016, 11:46 AM | #5 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Yep it is a constant problem and prevents me from even attempting to venture out with the car. Love the quote. One thing that stumps me is the car will idle great, rev the he$$ out of it and it is flawless, but don't try to drive it. Oh well - thanks for the responses. Have a good weekend.
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06-09-2016, 12:57 PM | #6 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
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06-09-2016, 01:04 PM | #7 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Couple of thoughts here:
you may want to check to make sure the jets are not clogged in the carb. condenser could be the answer. is it timed correctly? Is the timing advance working properly? make sure your distributor and coil are working properly. ie point gap, timing setting, good coil, good condenser. We would like to hear the ultimate answer here. Please report back. |
06-09-2016, 01:20 PM | #8 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Backfiring Under Load (throttle wide open at relatively low rpm’s) often indicates a problem in electrical/ignition/timing.
Culprits include: Insufficient point gap (should be set at .018 to .020) Timing Bad condenser Bad distributor body Frayed wire between upper plate and lower plate on the distributor Intermittent connection of the ignition switch As Mitch said I, would start with point gap.
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06-09-2016, 02:11 PM | #9 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Ok you guys thanks. I shall go through everything over the weekend, saving the carb for last, hopefully the culprit will be identified. I replaced the dist with an original type from Bratton's, the Zenith was also purchased from them, all this about 2 years ago. I also replaced the timing gear around that time.
I shall report back. Thanks again. |
06-09-2016, 06:30 PM | #10 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
I've heard of this happening with bad muffler. A baffle collapses inside and restricts the exhaust flow. It'll start and rev in neutral just fine. Once you put it under a load it has no power. It's very rare but sometimes it happens.
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06-09-2016, 09:37 PM | #11 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Bill, I'll meet you in Marshall at the Ford dealer and we will get 'er done
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06-10-2016, 08:59 AM | #12 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Thanks Quigly, I can always count on you
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06-11-2016, 03:51 PM | #13 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Well installed new points (orig style), the others did not look well and seen better days. Re-timed, checked spark (Tesla would be proud) Tried to make it around the block, almost made it but coughed several times. Carb tomorrow, another trip around the block. If no better there will be a lot more room in the garage. Have a good weekend.....
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06-11-2016, 07:19 PM | #14 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Never give up..................it's such a good feeling when you find the problem.
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06-11-2016, 08:01 PM | #15 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Condenser.
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06-12-2016, 08:10 AM | #16 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
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06-12-2016, 09:47 AM | #17 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Are you sure the fuel flow is OK? Too lean a fuel mixture for what ever reason can cause low power/backfiring. I took a very short video of my fuel flow after flushing my fuel tank and adding a new filter screen above the shut-off valve. I thought it was OK too, at first. Once I started getting it running better and producing more power it wasn't getting enough fuel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAUI8MWo_Io |
06-12-2016, 03:43 PM | #18 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Thanks Art. Yep my fuel flow is robust, disassembled the Zenith today, clean as a whistle, blew everything anyway. Did not go for a ride as it is in the high 90's. I plan a compression test tomorrow and that will do it, told the wife to cancel her Father's Day gift order (car cover for the A)..... Cheers and thanks for all the suggestions.
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06-12-2016, 04:30 PM | #19 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Devorce is to easy, she is testing you. There is nothing in the relationship that cannot be overcome, it just takes work and understanding. I love my mother's favorite quote, "it is easy once known". You have a simple problem that can be overcome, it will only happen once because next time you will know the answer. Be patient work it through, except the challenge.
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06-12-2016, 04:34 PM | #20 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
What happened to Quigley's offer of help?
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06-12-2016, 05:14 PM | #21 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
I will probably be sending up the "Bat" signal! Quigley has been a great help believe me, he was over the other day and gave me a test stand for checking the float level on Zenith carbs, unfortunately I ran out of handss trying to use it. I emailed him a little while ago and waiting for his response. The man definitely know his A's. I hate to keep badgering him for help. I really appreciate all the advice from you guys believe me. Cheers
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06-12-2016, 06:17 PM | #22 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
The same was happening to my friends 30 coupe. It ended up that the the fuel supply was restricted by rust and sediment coming from the tank. We pushed a wire thru the fitting at the firewall. The lean mixture caused the backfiring.
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06-12-2016, 06:41 PM | #23 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Quigly is having a back issue and will make it over here in a few days. I have a question on checking the float on this Zenith. Is it possible to just drop the
bottom portion of the carb, let the top attached to the intake, put a glass jar under the float pressed against the rim of the top part of the carb, turn on the fuel and measure it that way? |
06-12-2016, 06:44 PM | #24 | |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Quote:
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06-12-2016, 06:55 PM | #25 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Just for the heck of it I would check to see if the manifold and bolts above carb are tight. Bill
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06-12-2016, 07:14 PM | #26 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
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06-12-2016, 08:16 PM | #27 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
My 28 did a lot of backfiring when my repro ignition switch had poor contacts. I found the problem one day when I noticed the engine died as soon as I touched the key to turn it off. I took the switch apart and spent a couple hours making better contacts for it. No more backfires.
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06-12-2016, 09:38 PM | #28 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
I just contacted Bill and as he mentioned my back has gone south and the rest of me is trying to go north. I told him I went to a show today in my truck and it ran great. I told him I would bring the carb and dist to him and try one at a time and see how the "beast" does. I feel we are running in circles and chasing our tails now. If it still acts up then we can go deeper in the boiler room and see what going on. I know he's frustrated but I am convinced the damn car will run to his satisfaction. Patience is my long suit As for my back I'm looking for a grease fitting and some of Tom W's magic grease
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06-12-2016, 10:18 PM | #29 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Have you checked the throttle shaft on the carb for wear? If this shaft is badly warn you might be sucking a lot air inplace of fuel. Either install a new shaft or install new shaft bushings with a new shaft.
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06-13-2016, 12:44 PM | #30 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Funny, I have had several of those burn-out proof condensers. When I got the unknown slight overheating problem solved, the burn-out proof condenser has lasted several years. Still keep a spare in the tool box. Your symptoms were exactly what was happening to me. Timing, points and condenser. Never touched the carb.
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06-13-2016, 03:40 PM | #31 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Yes that claim of burn-out proof sticks in the back of my mind, something about the Titanic being unsinkable At any rate I do not have a spare but it is worth a shot to order a new one from Bratton's.
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06-15-2016, 04:10 PM | #32 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Please observe a moment of silence for my Model A. Re-timed, new points, new condenser and now it sounds much better but shuts itself off after a few minutes like fuel starvation. Until Quigly arrives with a different carb the car car is on day-to-day residence here. The camera made the stone guard look wierd.
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06-15-2016, 09:16 PM | #33 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
In the end if all else fails, I take my A to a hot rod show and say, "Hey, this could be you". Works every time.... Hang in there. I have been there and done that.
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06-15-2016, 09:22 PM | #34 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
After it shuts off, does it start right back up again? Or does it just crank
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06-15-2016, 10:07 PM | #35 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
what is always left out of a story is what was done to the car just before it began acting up?
We had a guy write in to say he had a carb problem, but neglected to mention that just before that, he had messed with the dizzy, which is where his problem really was. It took a lot ofeffort and posts before we learned of this
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06-16-2016, 11:17 AM | #36 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Going to meet Quigley this afternoon and pick up a known good carb and dist.
Hoping one of these is the culprit. Had it running yesterday but now it seems to run out of gas and just dies. Fingers crossed |
06-16-2016, 02:27 PM | #37 | |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Quote:
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06-16-2016, 03:00 PM | #38 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
I know you said you had good gas flow but for how long. Possibly your gas cap is not venting. See if it will run longer with the gas cap loose. Just a thought.
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06-16-2016, 04:08 PM | #39 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
I swapped out the carb and started it up - idled great and after about 1 1/2 minutes shut itself down without fanfare, just as it would running out of gas. Started right back up. Checked fuel flow again (photograph). This is the same symptom on two different carbs - the end of the line into the carb looks ok, 1/8th inch from the end of the line in.
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06-16-2016, 08:01 PM | #40 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
"1 1/2 minutes shut itself down without fanfare, just as it would running out of gas."
"same action with 2 diff carbs" 1 1/2 minutes is about how long a motor will run if you shut the main gas valve at the tank. In other words, until the bowl runs dry. You are not getting the fuel delivery you think you are; the bowl is not refilling. Rig up a coffee can of gas hanging somehow with a tube/hose going to the carb inlet and see how long the motor will run. You could take a 1 # metal coffee can and solder a short copper tube to the bottom, and run a length of rubber fuel line to the carb inlet. Stay away from the manifolds. This will bypass the rest of the fuel storage/delivery system and give you a lot of info
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06-16-2016, 10:31 PM | #41 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Bill see if you can rig up the can that's on the test stand I gave you. It has the proper fitting for the car inlet. You may gave to get some more hose. Dump what gas is in my tank and try to find some ethanol free gas. The Esso station in Marshall has it. If this cures the problem you can now make it to the show and will only owe me many many nickels
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06-17-2016, 07:44 AM | #42 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Ok Quig I shall work on that. What is odd now with
two different carb's it has done the same thing. Starts, runs for min or so, has momentary stumble then shuts off like running out of gas. Now it will not restart. Using regular gas in the thing now. I shall try again today. Thanks |
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06-17-2016, 08:29 AM | #43 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
As soon as it dies jump out and hold the coil wire 1/4" from a head nut, key ON, push the starter rod and see if you have a good blue snappy spark. A weak yellow spark is a problem.
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06-17-2016, 01:22 PM | #44 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Thanks Tom I'll give that a whirl....
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06-17-2016, 04:05 PM | #45 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Well what started out to be seeking a cure to my car coughing back through the carb has now mutated to something else. The coughing back through the carb has plagued me since I bought this car 7-8 years ago not sure. At any rate here is what has been done to date:
Replaced carb with known good one re-timed new points (orig style) new condenser fuel flow looks good to me (photo) gas cap vented regular gas nice blue spark Now for the last several days and 5 or 6 starts the car runs and after 1 minute 20 seconds dies like it is out of gas. This is a new problem. After the engine dies . with the exception of one restart, it restarts again, runs briefly and dies again from the same symptom. I mean it is like the fuel bowl being drained after a minute twenty seconds. I'm getting ready to chuck in the towel I do not have a vacuum port on the intake but I'm starting to feel this has to be vacuum related. At this point I keep getting further away from the original problem of the coughing carb..... |
06-17-2016, 04:47 PM | #46 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
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06-17-2016, 05:25 PM | #47 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Nope tried that, it is intent on shutting down. Was thinking maybe the intake gasket may have gone south but then again it prob would not run for that brief period. It seems like its on a timer
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06-17-2016, 06:08 PM | #48 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
I hesitate to make a suggestion here, I'm not as experienced as those who are trying to help. But, I would check the torque on the intake gasket nuts and the condition of the gasket.
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06-17-2016, 06:10 PM | #49 | |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Quote:
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06-17-2016, 06:24 PM | #50 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Does it die out after moving the spark lever down? Then restart after moving the lever back up?
In other words does the spark lever have any effect of when it stalls Last edited by Mitch//pa; 06-17-2016 at 06:33 PM. |
06-17-2016, 06:25 PM | #51 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
I agree with Mike that it sounds like something electrical.
Have you tried another ignition cable, such as the emergency bypass the dealers sell? It would be a handy item to keep in your tool box, if you don't already have one. |
06-17-2016, 06:44 PM | #52 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
you'll be a first class Model A mechanic when it is all over .
Too bad the other issue has been there for a full 7 yrs Are there any club members who can assist you? Do NOT give up. What is lacking is some rock-solid diagnostics. So far it sounds like stuff is just being replaced........This is very hard for us at this distance. If some of the regulars here could get their hands on the car it would be diagnosed in 10 minutes. For example, get an in-line spark tester from a NAPA or Oreilly or online so that you can SEE the spark, put it in series with the coil wire, and then when the motor dies you can visually be checking the spark at the same time Go here, the best 10 bucks you will ever spend: https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-20610-I...e+spark+tester Local NAPA, OReilly etc might have it on the shelf If we all gave up there would be a huge pile of dead Model As in the middle of the Arizona desert right next to the airplane graveyard. You own a piece of history, one that will never be manufactured again........... if the 4 manifold nuts are tight (30 ft lbs, do NOT overtighten) then it is prolly NOT a vacuum problem
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06-17-2016, 06:59 PM | #53 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Here's a thought. Could the coil be over heating? In a short period of time. Is that possible?
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06-17-2016, 07:10 PM | #54 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
I always preach to use a spark tester.. The one t-bird posted is good...snap-on sells the same one in the blue point line for more than double that
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06-17-2016, 08:05 PM | #55 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
"Could the coil be over heating? In a short period of time. Is that possible?"
If so, it would not cool down quickly enough for the restart he mentions. The time for guessing is over, the need for hard core diagnostics is screaming from the tree tops......... Some of these issues are a full 7 years old.........
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06-17-2016, 08:17 PM | #56 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
If he has AAA premier 200 miles free , I am 190 miles away
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06-17-2016, 09:40 PM | #57 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Bill, I have the device that Tom mentions. Might be worth a try.
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06-17-2016, 10:31 PM | #58 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
It may not BE the same, but it SOUNDS like the same problem documented in the May/June Restorer.
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All steel from pedal to wheel Last edited by Dick Steinkamp; 06-18-2016 at 09:31 AM. Reason: corrected issue of Restorer |
06-18-2016, 09:14 AM | #59 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
you got yours already????
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06-18-2016, 09:30 AM | #60 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
My bad. I mean the May/June issue. Page 12 "Solving an Intermittent Ignition Problem"
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06-18-2016, 10:05 AM | #61 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Quigley loaned me a transparent dist cap - I shall focus on ignition today and let you know the results. Thanks for all the guidance ---- cheers
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06-18-2016, 10:22 AM | #62 | |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Quote:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X18Yv6-1rso When I had bum condenser --you can see the larger than normal arcing at the points... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DX_P-pLC04w Once you have a clear top, take a looks and I'd frankly keep it on.. you'll learn what the proper size of the cap sparks are and those a the points... if you see things abnormal, once you get a feel, you might be able to resolve it faster...
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06-20-2016, 12:49 PM | #63 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Thanks for the reply. Checked voltages and it is good everywhere. Tomorrow I am bypassing the fuel system and going directly into the carb and see what happens. Cheers
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06-20-2016, 02:34 PM | #64 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
I think Bunny C has good advice. Check the intake gaskets and nuts. I had a problem years ago where the engine would idle and go a short distance just fine and then would crap out. Once it cooled down I could go a bit farther again. Turned out it was a lose intake manifold nuts.
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06-23-2016, 12:45 PM | #65 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Does anyone have a link to how to fabricate a DIRTY LEG fuel valve with the specs? Quigley made a house call and we had the thing running on a external tank today. Thanks
Bill K |
06-23-2016, 12:52 PM | #66 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
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06-23-2016, 01:30 PM | #67 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
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06-23-2016, 01:40 PM | #68 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Thanks much I just removed the shut off valve and the
little pencil filter that rests on top and it was all clean as a whistle Cheers Bill K |
06-23-2016, 04:39 PM | #69 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Have you checked the gas I had a very similar problem ansd it turned out to be the gas. Drained it out put in new gas and it's over a year now it's been fine
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06-24-2016, 07:29 AM | #70 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
By any chance you have a Radiator cap on the gas tank ??..
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06-24-2016, 07:37 AM | #71 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
...or a plugged exhaust?
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06-24-2016, 09:47 AM | #72 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Thanks for the suggestions, going to take it out and see what happens. It was running normal yesterday (static) but it has done this before, suck me way from the house and let me sit We checked everything up and down. Thanks
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06-24-2016, 09:52 AM | #73 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
float valve sticking?
run some MMO in the tank 4oz per tankful modern 'fuel' very dry, dries out rubber, neoprene, viton, etc good for valves, too if you get stuck take large handled plastic screwdriver with you, and rap on carb with plastic end, will sometimes (often) free up a stuck float valve
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06-25-2016, 01:17 PM | #74 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Who rebuilds these Zenith carbs ??
We tried everything under the sun except for the right thing obviously I guess I will donate the car to an automotive tech school. The school can use it for the final exam. Get the thing running normal and you pass with flying colors... Oh, don't forget to notify the two older gentlemen what it was.......you all have a nice weekend. Cheers Bill K |
06-25-2016, 01:46 PM | #75 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Since nobody local can seem to help you out,,, Get it up to me .. I'm not that far...
I can get it with my enclosed but that's a two way trip and time |
06-25-2016, 02:49 PM | #76 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
go get it, Mitch....
if two diff carbs do the exact same thing, ie run for 1.5 min then shut down, then can both carbs be built identically wrong? There is a clog in the line somewhere. Fuel line hitting the back of the carb because it is pushed too far into the ferrule? Remove all lines and using blowgun clean'em out good. Be certain there is not a stackup of filters....you only need ONE. reinstall lines. Leave carb end off. Put carb end into container, open tank valve, let a full gallon flow thru and observe, with gas cap off. If this works, do it again with gas cap on, observe. You said you got it to run with an external tank!!!!! What does this tell you about your on board fuel system??!! There is something wrong there, so why now blame the carbs and BTW an automotive tech school will have absolutely NO idea how to do anything on that car
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06-25-2016, 02:55 PM | #77 | |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Quote:
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06-25-2016, 03:34 PM | #78 | |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Quote:
I/We have done the following: swapped dist's swapped carb's new upper plate on my rebuilt orig dist new condenser checked every voltage on the car checked plugs/coil with inline tester/dist sparking well/coil appears good drained tank fresh straight gas in it fuel shut off valve and pencil filter removed and were clean good fuel flow jiggled everything we could jiggle when it was running the other day compression all cyls 61 to 65 Quigley threatened it with a large hammer gas cap vented I am still convinced the Zenith I bought from one of our vendors several years ago, advertised as rebuilt, is playing a leading role in this drama. I figured this may be the time to send it off to reputable Zenith guru. Thanks cheers |
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06-25-2016, 03:55 PM | #79 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Have your tried spraying starting fluid all around the intake / exhaust manifold when it is running? If the engine speed changes when you do you have an intake manifold leak.
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06-25-2016, 05:06 PM | #80 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Ok tomorrow I shall try the starter fluid while it is running, albeit badly. Then take the Z apart again and get some wire to run through the passages. As far as the dist lower plate we had a clear dist cap on and did not see any obvious intermittent spark. I blew the Z out but if the lower passages are dirty my compressor probably would not blow them clean. Thanks
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06-25-2016, 06:17 PM | #81 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Ok will do. Its getting to the point I can take this stuff with my eyes closed..
Cheers |
06-25-2016, 09:56 PM | #82 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Bill your answer is 20 miles away. Take the beast to White Post restorations and for a few dollars and a years wait you will have solved the problem!
We had the car running daxx good for twenty minutes the other day until the gas ran out of the auxillary tank. I told him to remove the shut off valve and when he told me all looked clean I thought we had tamed the beast. When I got home I put the carb I loaned him on my coup and with no leaks it started right up and I went for a ten mile trouble free ride. I'm getting frustrated as is Bill but I AIN'T giving up. I know a good local carb man who can do what Vince suggested and pass this on to Bill. this post is getting to the point where it's good summer reading Sewall |
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06-25-2016, 10:55 PM | #83 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
"We had the car running daxx good for twenty minutes the other day until the gas ran out of the auxillary tank."
Then how can it be carb problem?? "When I got home I put the carb I loaned him on my coup and with no leaks it started right up and I went for a ten mile trouble free ride" Then how can it be a carb problem?? Information is being gained from a diagnostic maneuver, but you are taking those results and going somewhere else with the information you are getting. I don't understand.
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06-26-2016, 03:48 AM | #84 | |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Quote:
Last edited by Mitch//pa; 06-26-2016 at 07:35 AM. |
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06-26-2016, 03:50 AM | #85 | |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Quote:
Or a thanks for the offers Last edited by Mitch//pa; 06-26-2016 at 04:58 AM. |
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06-26-2016, 08:26 AM | #86 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
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06-26-2016, 09:00 AM | #87 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
I suggest trying a different ignition coil. They can do some strange things when they are failing.
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06-26-2016, 09:11 AM | #88 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Mitch, just toss a few tools in the back of the truck and head on over there and get'er done. The barners will chip in for your service charge. Today would be a good day, your shop is closed on Sundays, any way. That will be less than 400 miles on the road, and 10 minutes to fix it, so road time of 6 hrs at 60 mph, shop time minimum 1 hr, so your rate times 7 hrs, and he won't have to give the car up
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06-26-2016, 09:31 AM | #89 | |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Quote:
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06-26-2016, 09:57 AM | #90 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
He is learning. Sometimes it gets discouraging on both ends when something is being taught.
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06-26-2016, 10:03 AM | #91 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Hey Hey guys. Despite not responding to each post let me state I really appreciate and thank everyone for their input.
This has gotten to the point I seem to be playing the fool. Therefore, until I stumble across the solution I think it best I refrain for any further posting on this problem. Again my gratitude for the encouragement and suggestions. Bill K |
06-26-2016, 10:16 AM | #92 | |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Quote:
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06-26-2016, 01:50 PM | #93 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Bill, we need your feedback to figure out the problem. Or should I say the solution to the problem.
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07-05-2016, 04:44 PM | #94 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
It's ALIVE It's ALIVE. To make a long story short I took the bottom plate off the dist. I noticed the Bus Bar (I guess you can call it that) had a round hole which lined up with the condenser but it was not connected to the condenser therefore taking it out of the circuit. Connected it back up, started it up and drove (for the first time) 5 trouble free miles, no hint of coughing back through the carb.
I replaced the float valve also and got the float level correct which was not that far off. My daughter volunteered to ride along and the first thing she said Mom keep your cell on so we can call for help.. So far so good, I'll take a longer trip tomorrow to satisfy myself. Again thanks for all the help on the forum. Really appreciate it |
07-05-2016, 05:10 PM | #95 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Bill, Glad you found the problem. Did you put that fiber washer between the screw and condenser? If not, it might short to the body of the distributor.
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07-05-2016, 05:21 PM | #96 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Yep - thanks
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07-05-2016, 05:36 PM | #97 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
I refer you back to posts #2 & #15.
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Ray Horton, Portland, OR As you go through life, keep your eye on the donut, not the hole. |
07-05-2016, 06:22 PM | #98 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
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07-05-2016, 06:27 PM | #99 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
I also shall never forget the words of wisdom which reminded me "most carb problems are electrical All I can say I did not know much about my A but after this we are intimate......
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07-05-2016, 07:50 PM | #100 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Just glad you got it fixed, Bill. We want our cars running for the summer!
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Ray Horton, Portland, OR As you go through life, keep your eye on the donut, not the hole. |
07-05-2016, 09:40 PM | #101 | ||
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
Quote:
Quote:
I couldn't agree more with these two gentleman. My model A was running very rich. I kept adjusting the float until I could barely get any gas flow, yet the exhaust still smelled rich. I replaced the jet cap with the smallest I could find. Still ran rich. I checked the timing a few times, each time confirmed it was correct. Finally, when I was checking the timing once, when I rotated the cam nut to open the points, I did not get a spark. I tried again and got a spark. I did this about 20 times, and got a spark probably 80% of the time, but not every time. I checked and found some carbon build up on the points. Filed them down a bit, checked the gap, and presto. Runs perfectly. So as you say, my "carburetor problem" was electrical. |
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07-05-2016, 09:53 PM | #102 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
the lower dizzy plate, the condenser, and the pigtail are very trouble prone and should be the first place for ppl to look.
Once they have been restored back to the way Henry intended they are actually very trouble free
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07-05-2016, 10:15 PM | #103 |
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Re: 30 Zenith Carb
"Once they have been restored back to the way Henry intended they are actually very trouble free."
There it is, right there, truth for many if not most of the problems we discuss here.
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Ray Horton, Portland, OR As you go through life, keep your eye on the donut, not the hole. |
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