Tillotson Carb Rebuild

[kcav8or]

I'm rebuilding the Tilly carb on my Model A. I got a rebuild kit from Snyder's that has all the jets and plugs, but it doesn't have the lead cleanout plugs. The instructions say to drill them out, but I'm reluctant to do that without something to put back in. One site had some vague instructions about filling them with solder, but that seems like it would fill up whatever passages are cleaned out after removing those plugs. Can anyone shed some light on this?

 

[Patrick L.]

I don't drill the plugs out. I just use a lot of cleaner and air and have not yet had an issue. Just keep working at it and make sure to get both venturi bore passages clean. There are times when the main nozzle needs to be drilled out and replaced.

 

[johnbuckley]

Totally agree- don't remove the plugs unless absolutley essential ( and if the Tilly's that bad it's probably un-resurrectable anyway)

 

[kcav8or]

OK. Thanks for the advice. II soaked the thing in carb cleaner for a LONG time to get it clean, so I hope that did the trick. I did go ahead and order those plugs, just in case. Is there a good way to run stuff through those passages to make sure they are clean?

 

[Purdy Swoft]

Totally agree- don't remove the plugs unless absolutley essential ( and if the Tilly's that bad it's probably un-resurrectable anyway)

I agree. Drilling out the plugs is risky, especially with a pot metal carburetor. I've found that after a Tillotson carb sits on the shelf for a few years, they are just not worth the trouble. Get a Zenith!!!

 

[Patrick L.]

OK. Thanks for the advice. II soaked the thing in carb cleaner for a LONG time to get it clean, so I hope that did the trick. I did go ahead and order those plugs, just in case. Is there a good way to run stuff through those passages to make sure they are clean?

A spray can of Deep-Creep will work along with compressed air and torch tip cleaners. These carburetors have a heck of tendency to warp. So check and file the mounting flange as well as both body halves. I happen to be one of the few that like these carburetors [ Marvels are the best, but...] , but, there does come a time with some of them when its best to just throw them as far as you can or set it on your desk for a paper weight.