Re: Carb, shackles, and fit of the hood

Posted by Mike Flanagan on August 23, 1997 at 12:48:56

In Reply to: Re: Carb, shackles, and fit of the hood
posted by Jon on August 22, 1997 at 23:03:19

: : 1st Question: My 31 Coup has a "Sears" carb. I am told. I am having problemsand would like to replace the carb. Will I be able to find anoriginal one or should I purchase a "new" one ie reproduction? If I found an "original" would it perhaps be rebuilt any way?
: :According to Model A judging standards you vehicle origanally had one of four carbs,all Zenith - Zenith 1,Zenith 2,and Zenith 3 (two models of #3 depending on month of production of your engine.Sears not original obvious.First I would be aware that 1931 models except #3 Zenith/Early versionall had sidebowl filters adapted. If your Sears unit has a sidebowl,then it will be easier to locate a rebuildable or rebuilt Zenith-See 1-8 under engine compartment section of Judging standards for correct carb.specs. It will be much better down the road if you switch carbs now.parts are pretty common for most Zenith carbs.Buy a restored one or restore yourself its usually not a hard job and can be done with common tools.Good Luck.


You are getting good advice but I will add some words of caution. Be careful when working with the springs. Many a Model A Fool has attacked the spring problem like a bitin' sow only to find a big surprise waiting for them... and blood all over the floor of the shop, in that order. All of the good books go into detail regarding the repair and service/removal of the springs. Read then do. Contrary to popular belief Sputnik was not the first man made object in orbit... it was a Model A spring.

Be careful when buying carbs at swap meets, lots of bargains and even more headaches out there. Take a 9/16-1/2 comb wrench when you go and before you buy separate the top and bottom of the carb. If it has a lot of rust and grunge inside beware. Sometimes the passages are clogged beyond repair, especially the idle circuit. Paul Moller wrote a very good book on carbs that is available from most sources. Read before shopping. Some people think a new gasket and a coat of paint is an overhaul. Generally speaking the rebuilt carbs sold by the supply houses are good however I have found some that have jets that are out of the scale and cause a run rich situation even with the choker closed. If your car runs good at 2000 feet with the choker all the way off what then do you do when you get to 8000 feet. Run rich that's what.

God speed under 50.

Mike Flanagan, The Model a Fool.





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