Carburetor

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Tips by Tom Endy |
Identify by Year
Locate/Purchase After reading this page:
Search techniques for Visit the fordgarage.com for historical and detailed information.
locating a Model A
Visit Model-A.org for further problem solving.
Insure List of insurance
companies
Carburetor Basics
Basics
Suction created by the pumping of the pistons, causes fuel and air to flow through
Start/Drive How to
start and drive a Model A.
the carburetor into the engine. Each Alternate downward stroke draws in a fresh
Includes dbl clutching. charge of mixed fuel and air.
Roadside
Trouble Systematic
trouble shooting why the The throttle plate manages the
"A" will not start.
amount of air flow that is delivered
Ignition Inspect, time,
and learn how it works. to the engine and is controlled by
Carburetion Learn the "Throttle Lever" and
how it works. Plus rebuild
"Accelerator" inside the cab.
tips by Tom Endy .
Brakes Utube Video
Tire How to remove the
tire skin from the rim..
(modelAbasics video)

Accessories
Advertised accessories,
parts, & tools from 1928
thru 1931

Extras Pulling on the Carburetor

Links Anything and Adjustment Knob, often called the
Everything Model A.
(Maintained by Steve GAV (Gas Air Valve) inside the cab
Plucker on the Fordbarn)
opens and closes the Choke Plate.
Videos Turning the GAV enriches or leans
Sooner Model A Club
the fuel mixture flowing through
the "Cap Jet".

When the engine is started with

the choke closed a greater vacuum
is formed, pulling in a larger
amount of fuel.

Fuel Flow
GREEN: Adjustable fuel supply for Cap Jet

BLUE: Predetermined fuel supply by Compensator Jet for Cap Jet and Idle Jet

RED: Direct fuel supply for Main Jet (Used for High Speeds)

YELLOW: Ambient air to fuel bowl

Running
The “Compensating Jet” is inside
the fuel bowl and empties into the
“Secondary Well” which is open to
the air. The “Cap Jet” connects
with the “Secondary Well”. The
“Cap Jet” can only draw as much
fuel as the “Compensating Jet” will
allow, regardless of the amount of
suction.

The "Cap Jet" has an additional

fuel supply from the "Fuel Bowl".
The flow rate of the fuel to the
"Cap Jet" is controlled inside the
cab with the "GAV" adjustment
knob. Turning it left (towards the
driver) enriches the fuel mixture for
the "Cap Jet". The "Cap Jet" is
used at low speeds.

The “Main Jet” is connected

directly to the "Fuel Bowl". It acts
like a straw; the stronger the
suction the greater amount of fuel
will be supplied. The "Main Jet"
kicks in and helps out the "Cap Jet"
at higher speeds. When cruising,
the "Cap Jet" can be leaned out
(turn right) to conserve on fuel.
 Idling occurs when the "Throttle
Plate" is partially open. A vacuum
above the plate is created, drawing
air through a small hole, which
pulls the gas from the secondary
well through the "Idle Jet".

Assembly

Trouble Shooting
Stalls When Stopping
Restoration Tips by Tom Endy

Zenith cores are easily found at swap meets. Most are usually in a cruddy rusty condition.
However, if they are not damaged they can easily be restored. It is prudent to look them
over carefully to make certain the top and bottom housings are not cracked or broken.

Large file, but worth the download wait.

Carb Restoration

Zenith carburetor documentation: Good grief! Another article on the Model A Ford Zenith
carburetor. Enough already! There must be a whole floor in the library of congress devoted
to articles written about this carburetor. But wait! If you are into rebuilding Zenith
carburetors you might want to read this. This article is about an easy way to check if the
internal passageways in the carburetor are open or plugged.
Zenith
Passageways

| Carb Basics | Carb Assembly | Carb Trouble Shooting | Stalls When Stopping | Restoration
Tips by Tom Endy|

Paul Modlin
paul@modelAbasics.com