I bought this 5 ball at an estate sale last week. It had many many years of tarnish on it and had an air filter. All the 90 degree inlet elbows on a 5 ball have threads in the end, but I've never seen an air cleaner on one until now. i believe its original, any one else ever seen one?
I believe it's intended to be a flame arrester, not necessarily an air filter. Some of the early tractor carbs had a similar piece.
I think that Don Hess sold something similar to that years ago.
I have never seen one like this on an auto, but like Stan, I have seen them on early tractors. They were hot air pipes on autos. I have an air filter on my '26 Vaporizer that is kind of rare. Most people threw them away to let more air into the carb. The first thing I thought when I saw the photo was "flame arrester". Just curious, but how large is the opening on the flange?
It makes sense as a flame arrester or a filter, or both.
I have seen a lot of five ball ads and don't remember seeing this mentioned.
Do the 45 degree inlets have threads?
That is really interesting Kim. I wonder if that is what is supposed to be on every one of the 90 degree 5 Ball carbs?
Is that carb made of cast iron, or is it spray painted silver?
Kingston made a variety of sizes. I have two brass 1-1/2" threaded inlet with an 1-1/4" threaded 90-degree hot air pipe. Threaded
hot air pipe connections were common. My carb was used for stationary engine applications. I believe my Brush 5-ball has a 1" flanged connection and a 3/4" threaded hot air pipe. The pictured carb is a 1909, 4100 model with no heat stove. Maybe it did come with a filter or arrester. Any 09 owners know for sure?
Royce, Its brass, i have never seen another on a 1909-10 5 ball, i guess the flash gives it a silver color. The bore of this carb is 1". Don is correct, Don Hess did reproduce a few of these years ago, but im sure this one is original to the era. This 5 ball is virtually new, it has no wear.
Kim-
The fiveball on my Dads 1910 has one identical. It has no filter material inside it which I suppose it should have it it was meant for that application. Anyway, there is another one in existance the same as yours. I will photograph it next time I am at my Dads.
Personally, I'd like to know how you guys keep finding T stuff at estate/garage sales. All I ever come across around here are dishes and 8 track tapes.
Well I just picked up the Sept Oct 1990 Model T Times for a look see.
In the magazine there is a feature called
All The Same, Huh!! by Gail Rodda.
These are interesting articles he wrote comparing the variations of certain Model T parts over the years.
This issues topic was the Kingston five ball carburator on page eight.
The description for photo number one says,
"This style five ball was used in 1909. Notice the air intake is vertical and threaded. I have no information that there was any type of tube threaded into it."
Well I guess we know differently now!!
My 5 ball for my 09 has one
Dale
Kim,
See attached photo as promised. The filter section came away from the threaded bit which is still screwed into the carby bowl so Dad had it put away in a cupboard. It appears to be the same part. A lot of parts for Dads car came from Don Hess. It is possible the fiveball came from him originally?? I will be in LA next month after the Kenab Tour. Would like to visit if at all possible.
Regards,
Warwick.