MTFCA Forum

These carbs came with the speedster's I recently became caretaker of. I know nothing about Winfields other than what Mr Pharis has posted.
Look at the picture of the newer model M. Kiss of death for that one?
Any comments and information is greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Mike Peternell

Is that one or more carburetors you have?

Winfield was one of the best and best known carburetors for racing model Ts. As such, they are prized by hobbyists and collectors.
However, there are two very different "era" Winfields. The updraft model T era carburetors are great! IF (big IF!) they are in good condition! However, the earlier era updraft carburetors had poor material choice and very often the unstable pot metals have resulted in material breakdown. I can see the stages of that around the bolt holes in one of your photos. If it hasn't progressed too far? It might be possible to file and fit pieces, stabilize some parts with epoxy, and make one usable for awhile.
Frankly, I have never had one because I never found one decent enough that I could afford to buy. The ones that are really good are usually not for sale. And most of the ones I have seen for sale were way too far gone!
What you show looks much better than most, and may well be worth trying to use!

The downdraft era Winfields are an entirely different matter. The big question with them is "What era do you want your car to represent?"
That argument has been going on for decades, with people deeply entrenched on a dozen differing sides!
There are a few specific facts on this subject. One. Preproduction experimental model Ts were being raced (unofficially) in 1908. And model T Fords have been raced every year since then and still now! By that reasoning, anything done at anytime in the past 115 years would qualify as model T racing era, including a Chevy V8 big block.
The fact is, that there were downdraft carburetors being used in aviation, and other specialty applications by 1920. The total number of downdraft carburetors that could have even been attempted to use on something like a model T Ford before 1928 was so small as to be nonexistent!

FACT! The downdraft Winfield carburetors used and loved on a hundred model Ts hit the market in 1929! Nearly all of them were manufactured in the 1930s!
If you want to have your model T speedster or racing car to actually represent the "model T era", as defined by the years the model T Ford was being manufactured? There is no solid evidence that such a carburetor was ever used on a model T before 1928. And yes, I have seen a bunch of photos that some people love to trot out and say "look here!" Most of those photos have been dated to 1929 or later. And this debate can go on for days and days and days! But I have to close up and go to the store.

The one with the horn is an aluminum V the other a M. Both are absolute junk and you should mail them to me. Not knowing the size (A,B,C,D etc) you can't judge value as well. I would be surprised if they couldn't be put back into service. Unfortunately for you it appears from the photos that the I would not be surprised if some internal parts were missing on the V and the M was probably put on a shelf due to the cracks.

The V is a size 4 (1” nominal) as seen in the serial number prefix “4V”. The V/H series carbs are aluminum, and so tend to survive better than their pot metal counterparts. All barrel valve carbs tend to wear at the barrel, causing air leakage and poor idling. I had the very same carb in my ol roadster and was very happy with it… after I made an oversized barrel and cured the leaks!

The Model M is a size “B” (1-1/4” nominal) as seen in the casting number on the bowl and also the serial number. Same barrel problems as described above, but with the additional pot metal problems. Most common failures are the float bowl covers break apart into pieces, and the choke elbow flange breaks off at the set screws. Mounting flanges also tend to warp.

Based on the pics, I would perform a bit of triage on the M, and run em!

Tried posting a link but I’m clearly better with the torch than the keyboard…. Google search - “The official Ed Windfield speed equipment thread, the H.A.M.B.” -access to tons of info, pics, and the experiences collectors. To me, Windfields’ influence seems unparalleled. He was, in my opinion as important an innovator as any figure in the history of autos and his accomplishments well worth researching.
Chris, in Boulder

Dang, should wear my glasses when typing. Winfield no “d”…

Thanks for all the information! The folks on here never let me down! Better than Google! Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and yours!
Mike Peternell