Zenith will flood the engine constantly

[jeepguy1948]

Yes, Bob is correct about the float gauge. I even have one but I had forgotten all about it.

[Mike1291]

Originally Posted by jeepguy1948

Maybe I missed something, have we been talking about a Tillotson all this time? Not a Zenith?

No, it's a Zenith

I attached some pictures of what it looked like when I took it apart. Have some more advice from members that I'm going to try. One is to put a plug where the float valve is and check for leaks. I'm also going to put some gas in and check for leaks in the jets. Only thing used from the old rebuild is the float, secondary valve, and GAV needle housing.

[Bob C]

I can't see your float to well but check out the link to Marco's
site about a possible problem with the float.

http://www.abarnyard.com/workshop/carb-1.htm

[Big hammer]

It looks like there’s a divot where the needle touches the float, we need a closer picture

[jeepguy1948]

There could be a dozen other problems hidden away in the depths of the 2 halves or there could be none (I would bet there are, I haven’t found one without at least one). But if it’s flooding it is either the float itself, the float level, or the needle & seat. I can’t remember the details but there are a lot of bad repop needles and seats. Contact David Renner at Renner’s Corner he will have every part you might need (for Zenith, Tillotson, and Marvel) he agrees with me that the Marvel is the easiest to sort out and get the best performance from.

[Mike1291]

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Originally Posted by Big hammer

It looks like there’s a divot where the needle touches the float, we need a closer picture

It looks like someone repaired the float in the past. After testing it I can confirm that the float is airtight. But with my float being the way it is I'll need to measure the float level using the external measuring tool that was shown on this thread.

[jeepguy1948]

If the repair added weight (the solder maybe?) that could be the problem right there

[Mike1291]

Originally Posted by jeepguy1948

If the repair added weight (the solder maybe?) that could be the problem right there

It very well could. I'll get another float and see if it makes a difference.

[1Cobra427]

I am considering rebuilding the Zenith carb as it is leaking after long sit w/ previous owner and I am new to Model A's, I have never rebuilt a carb, I see the kit on Snyder's site for $71, am I better off to attempt myself or find someone to rebuild for me, not familiar w/ intricacies of internal carb parts!!

[Mike1291]

Originally Posted by 1Cobra427

I am considering rebuilding the Zenith carb as it is leaking after long sit w/ previous owner and I am new to Model A's, I have never rebuilt a carb, I see the kit on Snyder's site for $71, am I better off to attempt myself or find someone to rebuild for me, not familiar w/ intricacies of internal carb parts!!

I bid you good luck! This was my first one on any engine. If you have a little mechanical experience and some common sense I'm sure you'll do fine

[Gene F]

You know all the horror stories about old gaskets being stuck under the jet surfaces, when the jets come out, right?

Not really a lot to go wrong with these once you get them apart and cleaned.

That long jet in the middle when assembled has a dip in the tip to keep gas from syphoning out when you park the car for errands... So check that while you have it apart.

[jeepguy1948]

Buy a kit from David Renner at Renner’s corner. He manufactures many of the parts and test’s everything. On top of that he is a really great guy that knows what he is doing and is very helpful. Unfortunately he no longer does rebuilds himself but I’m sure he would recommend someone if you asked.
There are basically 3 things involved in a rebuild (1) the best quality parts (2) getting the body clean (this can be very, very difficult there are several passages that can’t really be reached without a lot of experience or drilling the brass plugs out) (3) getting the float level correct. I will stick with my comment that many of the bodies have been damaged beyond what an amateur can repair. If you decide to have in done by someone who will gaurantee the rebuild and actually road test’s each carb he rebuilds (some will try it on their car stationary in the barn but that’s not good enough). I helped a new owner that had purchased 3 “rebuilt” carburetors. I managed to make one decent carburetor using pieces from all three.

[Bob C]

X2 on Renner's.

[jeepguy1948]

Bert’s sells a rebuilt carb that they road test on their own cars, and Bert’s would stand behind it $300 with $100 core charge (so $400 if you don’t have a core). I think this would be one of the best ways to go if you don’t want to tackle it yourself.