The Ford Barn

PinoleMike · 04-08-2022, 10:55 PM

I have a novice / newbie question. Took my carb off my 29 Town Sedan to clean the jets. Purchased a gasket kit for it. When putting the 2 halfs back together do I need a gasket sealer or not? And if so what's the best to use?
Thanks for your help!

Brentwood Bob · 04-08-2022, 11:31 PM

No sealer.

Benson · 04-09-2022, 08:25 AM

No sealer on intake manifold gasket either.

If sealer is put on intake gasket here is what happens.

Intake manifold gets hot, sealer melts and runs down throat of carb.

Sealer gets into the throttle shaft bushings.

Now the throttle shaft will stick open and not return to idle.

old ugly · 04-09-2022, 09:26 AM

that bowl gasket is not to seal gas from running out. the gas level should never get that high.
don't put any sealer on it. you will have to take your carb apart again and again.

before you put the bowl onto the top set the bottom bowl on the bench so its top is level, prop it up. make sure the throat is dry. now fill the bowl with gas to within 5/8" from the top.(exactly 5/8") let the bowl with gas sit for an hour then look at the two brass jets in the throat. if there is gas weeping from them ,fix them, so they don't leak, if they leak you will have gas leaking out even if you main valve is shut off.

Kinsley · 05-15-2022, 10:01 AM

I am struggling with a leaking carb when bench testing per "old guy". I am suspecting the drain plug. T. Endy specs black gaskets, the ones I have are red. After the first test I added teflon tape to the plug threads, leaked again. Is there something I'm missing?

Brentwood Bob · 05-15-2022, 11:44 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Double check the main jet, several gaskets lurking under the jet will effectively shorten it.
Also, the casting is very thin, and the seat can be damaged.
Also the casting threads get corroded, and the seat for the gas line Ferrell may need dressing back to a smooth seat.

David R. · 05-15-2022, 07:55 PM

I fought one forever. Finally figured out a tiny pinhole was rusted between secondary well and hole for the long bolt. Some fuel resistant sealer on secondary well threads fixed it. I fixed leaking drain plug by making a copper gasket for it.

PinoleMike · 05-19-2022, 09:03 PM

Thanks for all the input and information. After taking everything apart, cleaning all the jets and float, replacing the venturi I broke, it works perfect! No leaks and the car starts right up every time just like it use to.

Brentwood Bob · 05-19-2022, 09:28 PM

Appreciate the feedback. We all learn.

04-08-2022, 10:55 PM	#1
PinoleMike Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2021 Posts: 7	Zenith-1 carb question I have a novice / newbie question. Took my carb off my 29 Town Sedan to clean the jets. Purchased a gasket kit for it. When putting the 2 halfs back together do I need a gasket sealer or not? And if so what's the best to use? Thanks for your help!

04-08-2022, 11:31 PM	#2
Brentwood Bob Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: brentwood, ca Posts: 4,234	Re: Zenith-1 carb question No sealer.

04-09-2022, 08:25 AM	#3
Benson Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 2,594	Re: Zenith-1 carb question No sealer on intake manifold gasket either. If sealer is put on intake gasket here is what happens. Intake manifold gets hot, sealer melts and runs down throat of carb. Sealer gets into the throttle shaft bushings. Now the throttle shaft will stick open and not return to idle.

04-09-2022, 09:26 AM	#4
old ugly Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: alberta canada Posts: 585	Re: Zenith-1 carb question that bowl gasket is not to seal gas from running out. the gas level should never get that high. don't put any sealer on it. you will have to take your carb apart again and again. before you put the bowl onto the top set the bottom bowl on the bench so its top is level, prop it up. make sure the throat is dry. now fill the bowl with gas to within 5/8" from the top.(exactly 5/8") let the bowl with gas sit for an hour then look at the two brass jets in the throat. if there is gas weeping from them ,fix them, so they don't leak, if they leak you will have gas leaking out even if you main valve is shut off. __________________ old ugly my old father-in-law told me. "listen close when people tell you how to do stuff they may know something. then do it the way you want."

05-15-2022, 10:01 AM	#5
Kinsley Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2021 Posts: 15	Re: Zenith-1 carb question I am struggling with a leaking carb when bench testing per "old guy". I am suspecting the drain plug. T. Endy specs black gaskets, the ones I have are red. After the first test I added teflon tape to the plug threads, leaked again. Is there something I'm missing?

05-15-2022, 11:44 AM	#6
Brentwood Bob Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: brentwood, ca Posts: 4,234	Re: Zenith-1 carb question Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Double check the main jet, several gaskets lurking under the jet will effectively shorten it. Also, the casting is very thin, and the seat can be damaged. Also the casting threads get corroded, and the seat for the gas line Ferrell may need dressing back to a smooth seat. Last edited by Brentwood Bob; 05-15-2022 at 11:50 AM.

05-15-2022, 07:55 PM	#7
David R. Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: West Virginia Posts: 430	Re: Zenith-1 carb question I fought one forever. Finally figured out a tiny pinhole was rusted between secondary well and hole for the long bolt. Some fuel resistant sealer on secondary well threads fixed it. I fixed leaking drain plug by making a copper gasket for it.

05-19-2022, 09:03 PM	#8
PinoleMike Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2021 Posts: 7	Re: Zenith-1 carb question Thanks for all the input and information. After taking everything apart, cleaning all the jets and float, replacing the venturi I broke, it works perfect! No leaks and the car starts right up every time just like it use to.

05-19-2022, 09:28 PM	#9
Brentwood Bob Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: brentwood, ca Posts: 4,234	Re: Zenith-1 carb question Appreciate the feedback. We all learn.