Carburetor I.D. Question

Colorado kid

Colorado kid

Junior Member
I pulled out my box of extra carburetors I collected from an old shop in Eastern Colorado that worked on cars and probably tractors. The first one I believe is a Zenith from a model B? The second one has nothing but a patent number. The third one with a broken ear is a Zenith-2. The last one is a Tillotson (has an interesting throttle mechanism that opens a needle valve when fully open).
Only the first one I may have an interest of rebuilding if it would work on my 29 Model A, does anyone use it and is it worth while? Thought I’d build as a backup carburetor.
 

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The B carb has an adjustable main jet. Not for a car. The Venturi is going to be smaller as well. You can by rebuild kits a parts, ect from Renners corner ford parts.
 
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The center one is a Marvel Schebler - a excellent replacement carb for Model A's. Renner's Corner also has parts for them. Known for slightly better performance, simple and rugged.
 
The last Tillotson with the "opening valve" would be the Tillotson F1B, which was considered an "adequate" replacement carb for the Zenith in its day - but there are better carbs.

Marvel I don't have much experience but they were widely sold both by Western Auto, Sears Allstate, and even JC Whitney early. Most who use them speak highly as having finally "escaped the Zenith Stoplight Stall."

More experience with Tillotson X which I consider probably the best "historical carb" still available. A lot of them on the used market, no more than $50 can bring you a functional carb - and new parts are still available.

Renner is who to talk to on any of these.


Joe K
 
If the first one is a true Model B carb then you will have to hog out the intake manifold to take full advantage of the larger venturi. I use a Marvel and love it!

Mike
 
P.S. said:
My opinion- The Zenith is superior to every carburetor shown and mentioned above, with the exception of the Marvel.
Click to expand...

I agree... The "B" Zenith may make a little more power (flows more air) than the Marvel but the Marvel runs smoother overall, IMO.

Besides, the dude that Founded Marvel Carburetors also invent Marvel Mystery Oil to keep them clean... :p :p
 
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Pretty reasonable outcome since the Marvel was released over a decade after the Model B. Advanced carb technology!
 
Thanks everyone, I’m going to order some parts for the Marvel from Renners corner. This carburetor is in excellent condition and I will let you know how it performs compared to the Zenith I’m currently using
 
Colorado kid said:
Thanks everyone, I’m going to order some parts for the Marvel from Renners corner. This carburetor is in excellent condition and I will let you know how it performs compared to the Zenith I’m currently using
Click to expand...

Don't over tighten the screws that hold the top on, they are easy to warp. I only tighten them enough to collapse the lock washer.

I cut my on gaskets using 1/32" Butyl N/cork.

50847839631_50751bac8a_z.jpg
 
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After cleaning the Marvel carb body and bowl cover castings with degreaser, hot water and detergent I have painted them with semi-gloss black epoxy or appliance spray paint before I reassemble it. Once installed, to the untrained eye it almost looks like a Model B carb.
 
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