Zenith carburetor for T Model

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Topic author
tmodeldriver
Posts: 217
Joined: Mon Jan 07, 2019 3:04 pm
First Name: Robert
Last Name: Hester
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 26 touring, 27 touring, 22 TT
Location: Riverview, FL
Board Member Since: 2005

Zenith carburetor for T Model

Post by tmodeldriver » Sat Aug 09, 2025 5:17 pm

I recently purchased a side draft Zenith carburetor that is configured for the Model T. It is straight through construction and has patent dates of 11/29/08 and 6/27/18. It seems to be a solid, well made unit. I'm wondering if any of you guys have experience with these carbs and have anything pro or con to say about them. All comments are welcome. Thank you in advance. Bob


ModelTWoods
Posts: 1460
Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2019 10:53 am
First Name: Terry
Last Name: Woods
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1927 Model T coupe, 1926 4 door sedan
Location: Cibolo (San Antonio), TX

Re: Zenith carburetor for T Model

Post by ModelTWoods » Sat Aug 09, 2025 9:23 pm

I (and you) can only hope that the pot metal venturi is uncracked and intact. Most I see for sale are unusable without replacing the venturi which has to be custom made, because they are not available through the vendors.


Reno Speedster
Posts: 585
Joined: Tue May 26, 2020 6:23 pm
First Name: Morgan
Last Name: Blanchard
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 Model T Speedster Project, 1922 Runabout Pickup
Location: Anchorage, Alaska

Re: Zenith carburetor for T Model

Post by Reno Speedster » Sun Aug 10, 2025 10:39 pm

I have one (for which I made a new brass Venturi) but I have not put it in a car. I was planning on putting it on the speedster I am working on along with a Z head. But, I found a Rajo BB for that car. I thought of putting it and the Z head on my 22, but it runs great now and I am loathe to mix things up. The Zeniths are supposed to be good carbs and were used on a lot of quality cars. Adjustable main jets available for them.


Topic author
tmodeldriver
Posts: 217
Joined: Mon Jan 07, 2019 3:04 pm
First Name: Robert
Last Name: Hester
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 26 touring, 27 touring, 22 TT
Location: Riverview, FL
Board Member Since: 2005

Re: Zenith carburetor for T Model

Post by tmodeldriver » Mon Aug 11, 2025 10:29 am

Thanks for your replies, Gents. The venturri in mine is not pot metal. Looks like someone made a steel or iron one for it in the past (magnetic). I see evidence that the choke plate has been removed and reinstalled. Maybe I got lucky. I'll probably replace a sway-back NH with it somewhere down the road and see what happens.

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