The Ford Barn

Trapdoor2 · 03-12-2026, 04:09 PM

During my recent head gasket investigation, I noted that the spark plugs were seriously carboned up. Black black black. The engine wasn't running properly...like it was running rich (smelled like it too).

I still think the (Tillotson) carb is a problem...but I'm going thru all the easy things on the checklist (and I still need to finish refurb on the Marvel Schebler).

After sorting out the head gasket issues, I decided to pull the Air Maze and clean it. With it off, I took her for a drive...big difference in how she ran! Not stumbling, smooth idle at 480, no smell of raw gas from the exhaust.

Hmmmm...

Not an easy decision, I've never run an engine without an air cleaner. Yah, I know, I know. The car and carb were never designed to run with an air cleaner (not that the Air Maze does any "cleaning")...but I'm going to run without it. She certainly seems happier...now I have to see if I can straighten out the dent in the carb throat left by the screw that holds the Air Maze on.

I swapped out the plugs (from Autolite to Champion, gapped at 0.035") and I'll drive them for a while before rechecking.

03-12-2026, 04:09 PM	#1
Trapdoor2 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2025 Location: The Beach, South Carolina Posts: 195	Ditched the "Air Maze"... During my recent head gasket investigation, I noted that the spark plugs were seriously carboned up. Black black black. The engine wasn't running properly...like it was running rich (smelled like it too). I still think the (Tillotson) carb is a problem...but I'm going thru all the easy things on the checklist (and I still need to finish refurb on the Marvel Schebler). After sorting out the head gasket issues, I decided to pull the Air Maze and clean it. With it off, I took her for a drive...big difference in how she ran! Not stumbling, smooth idle at 480, no smell of raw gas from the exhaust. Hmmmm... Not an easy decision, I've never run an engine without an air cleaner. Yah, I know, I know. The car and carb were never designed to run with an air cleaner (not that the Air Maze does any "cleaning")...but I'm going to run without it. She certainly seems happier...now I have to see if I can straighten out the dent in the carb throat left by the screw that holds the Air Maze on. I swapped out the plugs (from Autolite to Champion, gapped at 0.035") and I'll drive them for a while before rechecking. __________________ '31 Ford Deluxe Coupe "The Green Hornet"