Zenith carb rebuild - just so you know

Slik

Member
The other night I started tearing into a spare Zenith one carb I have.
When splitting the upper and lower, the venturi stuck in the upper. Since the bottom of the venturi was all cracked and ratty I knew i needed to replace it.
Tried wrestling with the channel locks to get the stuck venturi out - no go. Soaked it good with MMO and PB Blaster and attempted channel locks again, still no go. Used the bench vise to try and at least get it to turn a bit - still no go.
I noticed on the inside of the carb throat the venturi formed a small ridge - not very big. I used a small screwdriver and tried to tap it - no go again. Frustrated (yes - I lack patience) I was looking for something to stick down the hole. I found that a 7/8'' deep socket fit perfectly and sat very nicely on the upper ridge of the venturi. A couple of good taps with a hammer and she popped out nicely.
Just in case someone else encounters this.
 
The other night I started tearing into a spare Zenith one carb I have.
When splitting the upper and lower, the venturi stuck in the upper. Since the bottom of the venturi was all cracked and ratty I knew i needed to replace it.
Tried wrestling with the channel locks to get the stuck venturi out - no go. Soaked it good with MMO and PB Blaster and attempted channel locks again, still no go. Used the bench vise to try and at least get it to turn a bit - still no go.
I noticed on the inside of the carb throat the venturi formed a small ridge - not very big. I used a small screwdriver and tried to tap it - no go again. Frustrated (yes - I lack patience) I was looking for something to stick down the hole. I found that a 7/8'' deep socket fit perfectly and sat very nicely on the upper ridge of the venturi. A couple of good taps with a hammer and she popped out nicely.
Just in case someone else encounters this.
Thanks! I'll have to remember this so I know when I do one of mine.
 
There is an easily made puller tool that has been around the hobby for years that will pull it from either casting. A number of the dissertation articles show a photo of it. It is also shown in the late Paul Moller's carburetor book. You can also melt it out with a torch as it is made of pot metal and easily melts without doing damage to the castings. Wear a face mask as it can pop.

Tom Endy
 
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