Another carburetor question

[woodrow]

We have a Zenith carburetor on our '31 Model A. It was leaking gasoline so I put in a new needle/float. However, it still leaks, sometimes when running, but almost always leaks when sitting. I always make sure to turn off the fuel valve when parking. Would it make a difference if I adjusted the level of the float? Seems I read somewhere that the float in the Zenith isn't supposed to be adjusted. I would appreciate your comments. Thanks

[Mitch//pa]

i am not sure where you read that.. the float needs to be adjusted so the fuel level is 5/8th below the carb body gasket surface. it is adjusted by adding or subtracting gaskets under the float valve/ needle seat... never attempt to bend the float for adjustment. the suppliers sell a float level indicator but for a good quality one renners corner has a better one.
the fuel shutoff valve works with the float valve to stop the fuel leaking when off. but as you stated it is leaking when running i would ck the float level..
brattons sells a float adjustment gasket set with different thickness.

here is a very good carb site you should be aware of
http://www.modela.org

[woodrow]

Thanks Mitch. I guess what I read about the float was that it shouldn't be bent. I will take your suggestion and check the float level and get the gizmo to check the level. Thanks, and I appreciate you help.

[johnbuckley]

Woodrow...do a search on this forum use key word Zenith, leaking flooding etc-
Here's a hit list for Zeniths:Causes of leaking
Problem: Remedy
1 Leaking/loose float valve gasket: Tighten/reseal/replace
2 Leaking float valve: Replace
3 Incorrectly set fuel level: Re-set
4 Friction on float hinge: Loosen
5 Hole in float: Repair or replace
6 Cap jet or Main jet too short/ more than one gaskets on main jet: check
7 Leaking/loose gasket at main jet: Tighten/reseal/ replace
8 Leaking /loose gasket at cap jet: Tighten/replace
9 Leaking or loose GAV housing threads: Tighten/ reseal/ replace
10 Leak at fuel inlet union: Tighten/reseal/replace
11 Loose/leaking gasket at strainer: Tighten/reseal/replace
12 Loose/leaking gasket at drain plug: Tighten/reseal/replace
13 Cracked housing/leaking passage plugs: Repair or replace
... and PS even new float valves ( especially the cheapo type) can be faulty - they all need checking

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

i am not sure where you read that..

I can tell you one likely place. You should read some of the advice given on those Facebook Model A pages!! Some of the info there is so far from being factual yet those 'experts' there continue to blurt it out --and then argue when someone posts proof what they are saying is incorrect. Did you know that the red steering wheel was only used on the AR Model A? Did you know there were two States that Ford had to supply a Model-A with two taillights?? I could go on but be forewarned that if you go read some of that nonsense, you will leave shaking your head in disbelief how ignorant some are.

[Mitch//pa]

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Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

I can tell you one likely place. You should read some of the advice given on those Facebook Model A pages!! Some of the info there is so far from being factual yet those 'experts' there continue to blurt it out --and then argue when someone posts proof what they are saying is incorrect. Did you know that the red steering wheel was only used on the AR Model A? Did you know there were two States that Ford had to supply a Model-A with two taillights?? I could go on but be forewarned that if you go read some of that nonsense, you will leave shaking your head in disbelief how ignorant some are.

maybe thats one reason why i dont have a facebook
the other is the wife doesn't want all my old girlfriends to find me

[moasew]

Why does Les Andrews mention in his Red Book to remove the end ring at the bottom of the fuel mixture body before installing it in the carburetor? It doesn't seem to interfere with anything.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by moasew

Why does Les Andrews mention in his Red Book to remove the end ring at the bottom of the fuel mixture body before installing it in the carburetor? It doesn't seem to interfere with anything.

What is the end ring?
What is the fuel mixture body?

[Mitch//pa]

not sure but i think he is talking about the metal ring on the end of the GAV

[johnbuckley]

Originally Posted by moasew

Why does Les Andrews mention in his Red Book to remove the end ring at the bottom of the fuel mixture body before installing it in the carburetor? It doesn't seem to interfere with anything.

. Several years ago I came across one carb that I needed to remove the ring at he base of the GAV housing to get the housing to seat correctly. All the other carbs I've restored have been OK.. Now whether it was rogue carb or more likely a rogue GAV housing I just don't know.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

not sure but i think he is talking about the metal ring on the end of the GAV

I think you are right, and I've never removed that ring.

[woodrow]

I think I've found the problem, maybe my fix isn't the right one but I think it's working. Removed the carb and took it apart to get to the needle/seat housing gizmo. Unscrewed the needle/seat, put in 2 additional thin gaskets and replaced. I guess that lowered the float a bit. Started the car and no leak while running or when I shut off the engine. Tried that several times and no more leaks so far. Hope that's my long term solution, seems to be working for now. Thanks for all the good helpful comments.

[Anteek29]

/Woodrow...did you measure the height of the float before and after adding the 2 gaskets for a calibration point?

[woodrow]

Hate to admit this but I didn't know where to measure so I just put in the gaskets, put the carb back in place and the A starts and runs fine so far with no leaks running or still. Idle is nice and smooth.

[Mitch//pa]

usually i use 2 gaskets under the viton tip styled valve
that brings the level correct most of the time