Carb choices

Canton_Model_A's

Canton_Model_A's

Senior Member
Guys, I am at a crossroads, trying to get a new rebuilt Zenith from the vendors is proving to be difficult. My question is, which one is better, Zenith or Tillotson carbs? I can get a Tollotson from Mike's for 550. I think there is a guy near me that can possibly rebuild my Zenith-2. If anyone is in the Canton, MI area and is willing to examine my current carb, (I just did a rebuild on it) That would be great. With the snow and weather my '29 isn't going very far.

Dave
 
I'm sure you will get many opinions, non are wrong. But FWIW, my choice is the Marvel. I think it gives the best mix of easy starting, power, smoothness and reliability.
 
Check out this link...

http://www.snjparts.com/19-Model-A-Carburetors

These guys might be able to help you with choices. All three brands work fine, but personally I prefer the Marvel for a car that's going to be driven regularly. It is a lot less troublesome, has fewer parts to replace, and my car runs outstandly better with the Marvel or the Tillotson. Your choice!
 
I prefer the Tillys over the zenith. just my opinion. Why not send yours to Berts and have them rebuild it?
they are about half the 550. quote you are mentioning.
 
I would start with rebuilding your zenith. Or have it troubleshot. CA Victoria has a good selection with OEM jets, and I will vouch for his work, Look under the for sale listings. I also have a good inventory. Either way we should be able to get you a correct carb.
The pot metal carbs will leak. Think, pot metal, fragile, warping, etc.,
 
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wondering if I mis-did one of the jets. Smells rich when running, and I will have to re-clean it as I used Pine-Sol in my ultrasonic cleaner and didn't paint. What paint is recommended on the carbie?
 
I have used the Tilly, Zenith, and Marvel. I like Marvel the best and it is what I have on my A.
If a good price is what you are looking for, then go with the Marvel. A completely rebuilt and tested Marvel will cost around $200. Where to get such a deal?

MARVEL SHEMBLER CARBERATOR 903-490-3725
976 COUNTRY ROAD 2310 —garhead@gmail.com
Gary Johnston
TEXARKANA, TX 75503 CARBS/EXCELLENT WORK
 
ronn said:
I prefer the Tillys over the zenith. just my opinion. Why not send yours to Berts and have them rebuild it?
they are about half the 550. quote you are mentioning.
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Tilly X was my choice over the Zenith 1 on my truck.

I now have a couple of Marvels I would like to try - and there is a Mochi in my box too which would be fun.

Or possibly the Rayfield (RIF)?

So many carburetors - so many choices.

https://modela.org/other_carbs.html

Joe K
 
I Googled "good carbs" on the internet and this is what it came up with:



  • Quinoa. . ...
  • Oats. ...
  • Buckwheat. ...
  • Bananas. ...
  • Sweet potatoes. ...
  • Beets. ...
  • Oranges. ...
  • Blueberries.
 
I never realized there were so many Marvel fans. There is no one else in our club that has one (that I know of), besides me.
 
rich40701 said:
I have a Model B Zenith on my A and it runs and idles good.
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Model A intake manifold? Or Model B - which will take the best advantage of a Model B Carb?

Some have been known to "ream out" the center uptake on an A manifold and get nearly there - without the obvious flat top.

Joe K
 
I agree with Dick M. I had a Zenith carburetor rebuilt by Gary Johnson last year at the recommendation of someone else on this form. He did a great job and tested the carb on his own car. The price was less then most of what has been reported here and his service was quick too.
 
I never realized there were so many Marvel fans. There is no one else in our club that has one (that I know of), besides me.




Marverlous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Joe K, it is a reamed out model A intake. When I purchased the A it had not been enlarged but I have since opened it up.
 
I have used Zenith A and B carbs and tillotson carbs on my Fordor. No issues with any. I now have a Marvel. I like it the best for best starting and fuel milage. 19-23 mph as apposed to17-20 with others. Have to open choke nob about 1/2 turn for best mixture.
 
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