Re: Carburetor float levels, Zenith B and Tillotson

Posted by Bob carabbio on April 07, 1998 at 00:57:57

In Reply to: Re: Carburetor float levels, Zenith B and Tillotson
posted by Larry Jenkins on April 06, 1998 at 18:49:29

Actually one of the main uses of old men is Texas is for making fun of - unless they have big ears and lots of cash.
In my experience the float level isn't all that sensitive.I've always set them so the float joint (or the arm) is level with the machined surface.
Of course it they're set too high, or if the needle has worn the area where it hits the float into a depression, Of if the needle is just no good all bets are off.
ASSUMING that the needle and seat is good, and the gasket and surfaces where the needle assembly screws in is good, thenthe main jet becomes suspect since it's where the gas goes through to the engine and it sets the basic rate of the feed.A Zenith should run a trifle lean with the adjustment closed.
If somebody's gotten rough with the jet and oversized it, then the main feed could be excessive, and since the adjustment isn't related to that, there's no control.
Of course the above assumes that the adjustment is in good condition and there's no leaks around the main jet.
I don't think Glen's pulling your leg, though, he's talking about the joint between the tube part of the jet, and the hex portion that actually screws into the carbureter.I've had one fall apart also.
My friend Bill's Zenith ran a bit rich in his '30, but after re-jetting, he's got to be at least 3/4 turn open with the adjustment to run right.I'll ask him for the drill sizes he used.
I'm going to use the 2nd version of the "B" on mine since it's a bit bigger, and has a baffeled float chamber supposedly so the "motor quits on a hard stop" trick doesn't happen. The other reason is that "B" carbs here in Dallas are plentiful and Cheap (I paid $13 for mine).
Bob Carabbio

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