All,

I know this is a model T forum, but I figured there's a bunch of guys here that know something about the Model A's too, so here's my question.

I need to rebuild the carb on my 1930 A, but the only instructions that I've seen refer to the Zenith Carb. I'm pretty sure mine is a Tillotson Carb.

Any one know where I can get complete rebuild instructions, including specifications and measurements for the Tillotson? Is there anything on-line that can be downloaded for free?

Thanks in advance,

Bob

Synder's or any "A" supplier will have gasket kit and any jets that you need and are quite cheap. Just disassemble including all jets. If you can, ultrasonic clean everything (local clock repair man will have perfect cleaning solution and an ultrasonic if you can get him to help).

Be sure to note which jet has a flat seat and tiny gasket, and which has a tapered seat and seats directly into carb casting. Jets MUST be clean.

Reassemble and only real adjustment is to make sure the float is parallel to top when flow valve is closed (turn carb lid upside down and view how everything looks). In this position, if float is not parallel, you can add an extra gasket under the flow valve. This will make float cut off fuel flow sooner (bending float hinge can also be done, but damage may occur if not careful). While lid is inverted, suck on fuel pipe and make sure flow valve is well seated when float is resting on it.

Fuel needle should have no dings or grooves. Clean up or buy new. When all assembled, GENTLY screw needle valve until it seats (careful!). Then back out about 3/4 turn. This is a pretty close start to get car started and then adjust richness from there. Good Luck!

scott

Bob, All the Model A parts vendors sell the kit for the Tillotson Model X and XF carburetor rebuild which includes gaskets, needle etc. (Snyders part number A-9595-T) Here is a web site for the total rebuild of the Zenith carburetor. You can use the troubleshooting page for the Zenith as the problems with the Tillotson are similiar. The good side of the Tillotson is that it just has one main jet and is simpler than the Zenith but the down side is that it is made of a pot metal that can sometimes warp and cause sealing problems. Some swear by them and some swear at the!!!.....Michael Pawelek
http://www.model-a.org/

Thanks for the replies. Even though my carb is a Tillotson, the Model-A.org site was very informative.

Thanks again

Bob