Differences in 32-33 Detroit Lubricator Carbs

[Andy]

I have a small collection of them. There more differences than if there is a cruse throttle arm or not. I probably won't get the pics in order so I will just state differences.
Think what the earliest version that I have does not have the lip to keep the filter sliding down One pic shows a slit in a part from a filter. The shaft for the throttle shaft had a cast on cap so the shaft was not visable. I have another carb much the same but the shaft end is visible. Still no ledge. No number on the bowl cover. Another later version has the throttle arm and the ledge. 32905 stamped on the cover. I suppose this is a 33 carb or has mixed up parts. The last carb is the same as the previous but has no number.
I have a loose cover with 32906 stamped on it. It does not have the riveted on shield that goes in the bowl. I suppose it is later but could go with the earliest carb. Mostly 33 carbs show up vs 32 carbs is because 33 carbs were the service carb and exact 32 carbs were not sold.
32 parts are endlessly different.

 

[DavidG]

With the possible exception of the carburetor on the far right, it appears as though the other three have been rebuilt at least once and consist of a mixture of '32 and '33 parts. That's not uncommon.

The three carburetors on the left all have '33 bases and the first two of those three have '33 choke/throttle shafts. The third has a '32 throttle shaft.

The two carburetors on the right have early '32 tops without the lip to prevent the air cleaner from slipping down on top of the center section. The two on the left have the cast-in lip characteristic of later '32 and all '33 versions.
The E prefix on the one bowl lid indicates that it was made in April, 1932. Given what else is likely stamped on that lid plus the E prefix and the numbers 32905 indicate that at least that lid was made by Detroit Lubricator.

Some late '32 carburetor and numerous '33 carburetor lids have no dates stamped on the outside, but rather have a large script F, which according to Ford's records indicates that the were made by Ford under license from Detroit Lubricator. Some well meaning people claim in error that the absence of a date on the lid means that it is a post-'32 component or complete carburetor. That is incorrect. Often those lids have the date in a different format stamped on the underside of the lid or no date at all.

Whether any or all of your carburetors are functionally '32s or '33s, despite the conflicting evidence of external components, can only be determined by removing the top casting and fuel bowl lid to view the accelerator pump inside the center casting. The accelerator pump in a true '33 carburetor is noticeably larger than that in a '32 carburetor.

 

[Andy]

Thanks so much for the reply and info. I want to assemble a correct 32 carb. This info will help a lot. I have a collection really poor cores. I hope I can assemble something.

 

[DavidG]

your biggest challenge may prove to be gaskets as they stopped being made several years ago. The gasket between the fuel bowl lid and the center section is fairly complex and does not lend itself to a DIY effort.

 

[Andy]

I bought a gasket set many years ago. I probably will not be able to find it.
I have several carbs with the throttle shaft showing. Were the capped housings the only correct ones for 32? Thanks

 

[DavidG]

Only those bases without the visible hole for the throttle shaft on the left side are the '32 version.

 

[mercman from oz]

Andy's collection of Detroit Lubricator Carburettors

 

[mercman from oz]

1933 Ford Detroit Lubricator Carburettor

 

[Old Redneck]

I have one that stamp 32907 and large letter af that means Ford. Is this late 32 or 33?

 

[Old Redneck]

At the National meet the carb on my 32 has no numbers on it. The judges said it was 33 or 34. I believe my carbs are a mixture of parts. I am lost on this.

 

[mercman from oz]

Old Redneck asks is this Carburettor 32 or 33?

 

[DavidG]

As I wrote above, all you can tell from photos of whole carburetors is whether or not the visible components are '32 or '33. For example, in Ken's photos it is obvious that the lid on the float bowl stamped 32907 is a '32 component. The base and top section are also obviously '32s. Whether the lid with the big script F on the engine is a '32 or '33 component cannot be determined unless it is dated on the underside as some with the F are. The carburetor has to be at least partially disassembled to determine if the die cast center section is '32 or '33 as indicated above.


While I believe that no deduction should have been made for the carburetor on the car, it's history and it did not affect the overall outcome. I understand that the car runs well with that carburetor; I'd leave it alone as D-L carburetors are finicky.

 

[Old Redneck]

Yes the carb runs perfect and It stays on the 32. Even the Judge said leave it alone. I could not have restored this 32without the help of other 32 people. I have love every minute of trying to make the 32 as original as I can. Dave Rehor books and his help on the internet has been so helpful. Now I am ready to do another 32 BUT the wife said no more at your age it time to forget about those junkers. What am I going to do with them? I will call the junk man. She don't know but I am looking what out there. All the Junkers she wrote the check for them. I bet she will make out the check for the next one? I hope so. She always gives in.

 

[Pat/Ohio]

Ken...You are "one lucky person!" Barb..."not so much!" LOL

I enjoyed visiting with you and Barb in Auburn!

Stay safe!
Pat