Broken Zenith 2 carb

[wrndln]

I bought a broken Zenith 2 carburetor at a swap meet a year ago. I paid about $12 for it thinking at least the bottom section was probably usable. It has a broken flange where it bolts to the intake manifold as you can see in the pictures. It had crud all over it, so I couldn't tell its condition, even what version of Zenith it was. I beadblasted it a few days ago and it looks pretty good. I am wondering if the broken off flange can be reattached in some manner or the top section is hopeless and is scrap. If anyone has any constructive comments as far as whether the top can be save, I would appreciate it.
Rusty Nelson

[SeaSlugs]

Ive seen em welded/brazed before - its fixable. Wont be easy as its broken into the actual intake not just the ear broken off...

[Gunmetal blue2]

Fine a good welding shop and it can be welded back to gether. We weld high performance engines that are cracked and they hold together.

[Bulligen]

It will work just like new if you braze it! I love fixing broken things other people write off!

[wrndln]

Thanks to all that posted responses. One addition to the original post. It is apparent that several of you believe the broken off flange can be reattached. Question: Can the repairs be made to look transparent, like brazing, after painting the carburetor and installing it on the intake manifold? It would be nice for the carb to look like it was never repaired once installed.
Rusty Nelson

[old31]

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Would JB weld work?

[1931 flamingo]

Probably depend on your "skills" at filing, painting, etc.
Paul in CT

[Dave in MD]

Rusty,
Generally it is the other ear that breaks off form someone using to long of a bolt.
A friend has a Zenith side bowl that has been brazed on his Fordor that has held up very well. We even put a Heli Coil in it as the threads were bad. Find a good welder or some who knows brazing and then make sure the top flange is flat.
Dave

[fastroadster]

They have that aluminum "Solder" you use a torch to solder it. Works real good.

[Mitch//pa]

Toss the top half and get another. They are plentiful
Thats my opinion

[Russ/40]

Braze it. Or, my preference is silver solder with a good flux. It flows real well, and you wont have to bevel grind the edges. Use a hefty plate with the two bolt holes drilled and bolt it all together for holding the proper position. With paint, no one will ever know.

[wrndln]

I hate to toss a repairable part, so I would rather fix it is reasonably possible.
Rusty Nelson

[Tom Wesenberg]

Clean all the oil off and braze it as Russ said by using a heavy plate to hold the parts. Use a Demel and file to clean any excess off the crack, then paint it, and no one will know.

If it was mine, I'd buy another top, but if you want to repair it, I'd do as Russ said. I haven't tried silver solder on cast iron breaks, but I have done several braze repairs.

[Chuck Sea/Tac]

The good thing is it broke on the opposite side as the idle jet. I have a late side owl that broke on the jet side and doesn't idle right.

[Mike V. Florida]

" If anyone has any constructive comments as far as whether the top can be save, I would appreciate it.

It can be saved and would be an interesting project since you don't need it for your car and if you care to try. The money is little and the time is yours. But if you are planning to send it out somewhere to be done then take Mitch's advice.

[Mitch//pa]

I understand what your saying, but if it breaks while your driving kaboom your rear ended or maybe a poss fuel fire over a 5.00 part that was farmer fixed.
The way the A carb is mounted hanging down off the manifold they are subject to vibration. Thats why many times i find the bolts loose when working on them .

[Terry, NJ]

Yeah you can fix it, BUT.....many hours! What's your time worth? Do you have a Bridgeport? I have a couple of B carbs with a broken ear (They break easy) I made up a 1/4" steel plate with the bore and threads and brazed it onto the old surface. The difference is that it's just the ear. It didn't break into the bore. If it was a B carb, it might be worth saving, but it's only an A carb. I'd strip it for anything good and toss the garbage into the scrap bin.
Terry

[George Miller]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

Toss the top half and get another. They are plentiful
Thats my opinion

plus 1

[Rancho Deluxe]

Originally Posted by George Miller

plus 1

And if it was a Zenith 3 ??

[Benson]

ddd