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Old 05-04-2021, 08:14 PM   #1
MickyD
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Default Tillotson carb

I had it rebuilt last year and it leaks internally. It did leak at the top seam but that has been fixed. It runs great except for the small leak. I checked the float and measured fine. I am confused about what to do next.
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Old 05-04-2021, 09:16 PM   #2
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Default Re: Tillotson carb

Find a Zenith. There are lots of them and they aren’t expensive. Tilly’s are notorious for warping and leaking.
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Old 05-05-2021, 11:08 AM   #3
Patrick L.
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Default Re: Tillotson carb

Just where is it leaking ? Tilly's are good carburetors when in good shape. I think they run better than Zenith, but, not quite as nice as Marvel's.

The float can be set correctly, but, the needle may not be seating correctly/fully. There are several types of needle/seats, which do you have ?
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Old 05-05-2021, 06:21 PM   #4
tnhammond
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Default Re: Tillotson carb

Micky -

I agree with Patrick. Tillotson runs very well. I cannot argue that the Tillotson is better than Zenith because I have never had a reason to change or a Zenith to compare.

Our 1930 Coupe came to the family in 1957. It was equipped with a Tillotson and a spare Tillotson in a box of assorted parts. I completely rebuilt the engine in 1965.

Over the years, I have rebuilt each the two Tillotsons a couple of times.

The only times that I experienced leaks were when I did not get even pressure on the top screws and once when I had a bad float valve.

Tim
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Old 05-05-2021, 06:26 PM   #5
Herb Concord Ca
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Default Re: Tillotson carb

Tilly's are good carbs. Like Patrick said what type of float needle do you have. Buy a viton tipped float valve they work better with the corn gas we have to use today.
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Old 05-05-2021, 06:42 PM   #6
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Default Re: Tillotson carb

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Get a Zenith and move on.

Years ago I tried to work with the Tillotson on a 31. It was just not worth the effort. Changed to a Zenith, never looked back.

Our 29 has never had a leaking carburetor in 41 years. Zenith. Easy to service. One less thing to worry about.

Enjoy
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Old 05-06-2021, 06:02 AM   #7
Patrick L.
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Default Re: Tillotson carb

Almost like talking politics isn't it ?
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Old 05-06-2021, 06:54 AM   #8
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Default Re: Tillotson carb

Gee, let's talk about what oil Micky should use! That's worse than politics.

Just after the carb was rebuilt did it leak, or is this something that just started?

A tilly will out perform a Zenith any day. No reason to change. As noted above try a viton tip needle and see what happens.

When you say you checked the float, what did you check? Shake it and see if there is anything inside of it. Check the float level so that it is 5/8", you will need a gauge for that.

https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/P...earchByKeyword
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Old 05-06-2021, 06:54 AM   #9
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Default Re: Tillotson carb

To fix the warping, I fixed mine by baking in the oven at 250 degrees with "C' clamps!
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Old 05-06-2021, 07:29 AM   #10
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Default Re: Tillotson carb

I recently bought a rebuilt Tillotson and it works well. No leaks or other problems. Like TN Hammond, back in the 60's boxes of spare stuff was easy to acquire and in a box came spare carburetors, including a Tillotson. I put it on my stock Model A coupe and thought that it performed better, including better idle and improved torque, but the opinion was subjective, not based on any testing data. I eventually went back to the Zenith for some forgotten reason. I now think that the Zenith and the Tillotson are fairly equivalent, given that they both are in good shape. But, again, this is subjective and not based on any data.

The major advantage of the Zenith is that it is cast iron not pot metal.
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Old 05-06-2021, 11:46 AM   #11
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Default Re: Tillotson carb

Quote:
Originally Posted by old31 View Post
Gee, let's talk about what oil Micky should use! That's worse than politics.

Just after the carb was rebuilt did it leak, or is this something that just started?

A tilly will out perform a Zenith any day. No reason to change. As noted above try a viton tip needle and see what happens.

When you say you checked the float, what did you check? Shake it and see if there is anything inside of it. Check the float level so that it is 5/8", you will need a gauge for that.

https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/P...earchByKeyword
Old31, the float gauge you linked to is for a Zenith. Will it fit the Tillotson? Rennen's Corner has one for the Tillotson (and Marvel). https://rennerscorner.com/carburetor.html

Quote:
Originally Posted by Redbird View Post
To fix the warping, I fixed mine by baking in the oven at 250 degrees with "C' clamps!
After you get it flat, do not over-tighten the screws when reassembling. I only tighten the screws enough to flatten the lock washers, no more. As mentioned in another thread, I also cut my own gaskets out of .031" Cork/Buta-N. It is softer than the paper gaskets included in the kits and conforms better to seal. Use no sealant!

Last edited by Y-Blockhead; 05-06-2021 at 12:08 PM.
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Old 05-06-2021, 04:30 PM   #12
old31
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Default Re: Tillotson carb

Yes, the zenith gauge will work but not as good as renners due to the shape of the tube. Go with Renners, he is a great guy to work with.

A-9599-TL
Description: TILLOTSON X XF CARBURETOR FUEL LEVEL SETTING GAUGE
Comments: High accuracy to set the float - fuel level / instructions included
Application: 1928 - 34
$16.00
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Old 05-06-2021, 09:26 PM   #13
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Default Re: Tillotson carb

Quote:
Originally Posted by Patrick L. View Post
Almost like talking politics isn't it ?
Well, this is an advice and opinion site, so you have to expect advice and opinion.
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Old 05-07-2021, 07:31 AM   #14
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Default Re: Tillotson carb

Quote:
Originally Posted by 700rpm View Post
Well, this is an advice and opinion site, so you have to expect advice and opinion.
Great return!
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Old 05-07-2021, 07:34 AM   #15
old31
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Default Re: Tillotson carb

OK, then I will give you some advice. And that my opinion!
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Old 05-07-2021, 02:16 PM   #16
MickyD
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Default Re: Tillotson carb

I took the top off the carburetor and it looked to be 1" from the top. I am still looking to see exactly where the gas is coming from.
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