Here's Pictures of the Model A Fuel Filters

[Tom Wesenberg]

The first is the pencil filter, which never came on a Model A, but I would always use one, even on my very clean tank. The second one shows the filter inside the cast iron sediment bowl. Of course it shouldn't be bent out of shape like this one. These are often missing or destroyed by water and corrosion.

The third picture shows the fine screen inside the carburetor, and these are often in very bad shape or plugged also.

BTW, I took these pictures of that great cutaway running gear at the Model A museum at the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, Michigan.

[mshmodela]

Tom, great photos. Thanks for the post.

[Great Lakes Greg]

That cut away car is pretty cool. It may have had the biggest audience of anything in there when we visited on Model A day.

[Tom Wesenberg]

I forgot to mention, look at the fuel flow through the cast iron sediment bulb filter. It's the only filter I know of that filters from the inside to the outside.

[DougVieyra]

Okay, now I have to go to the garage and tear apart my cast iron sediment bowl, to see if it has the screened internal filter. And if so - is it bent. Thanks Tom, for all your help in getting us to better understand our beloved (on the 'good days') Ford Model A.

[Gooseloony]

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Tom that's great info. I just received my pencil filter, can you recommend an install method, any special tools, fittings, sealing etc? With photos if possible. Thank you

[Tom Wesenberg]

Most of the pencil filters fit fine by just slipping them into the valve. Years ago I had to use solder to tin the end for a tighter fit.

When you unscrew the valve you may find it very tight. Try to use two wrenches or at least use your hand on the valve to push as you pull with the wrench with you other hand. You're trying to use turning torque, rather than a side pull, to unscrew it.

[ltdann]

I just bought an original cast iron sediment bulb. Turns out the filter element is too long to fit in the bulb. It looks as if the seat at the top of the bowl has been crimped or something. I think I'll Dremel the bottom of the screen element to get it to fit in the bulb. Anyone have any thoughts here?

Rich

[Keith True]

Rich,take a good close look at that crimped piece.It may be a piece of an old screen that was stuck and got the screen part torn off of it in the past.Over the years there were a lot of aftermarket screens made that were built nothing like the originals.

[ltdann]

I will take a look. It certainly looks like that may be the case since it isn't part of the casting. I'll just pry that sucker out of there

Rich

[DANA BIZZELL]

Tom, which supplier do you think sales the best shut off valve.
Thanks
Dana

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by DANA BIZZELL

Tom, which supplier do you think sales the best shut off valve.
Thanks
Dana

My first guess would be that they might all sell the same filter.
I think Keith is right about there being part of the old filter stuck in the bowl. I find the same thing happens with the small brass filter in the carb inlet.
A lot of cast iron bowls need to be sandblasted to get rid of the rust.

[RockHillWill]

Nice work, Tom.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

LOVE that cutaway car ! In the '50's, in auto shop, we did a cutaway of a Plymouth engine, took FOREVER! We used an arc welder to cut away some of the cast iron parts.
Bill Slice

[supergnat]

The cast iron sediment bowl filter (not original) on my 28 works great. It even filters powdered rust that the pencil filter in the tank didn't catch.
Supergnat

[DANA BIZZELL]

shut off valve under tank not filter.
thanks
Dana

[supergnat]

The pencil filter I was referring to is the one in Tom's first photo which mounts on the tank side of the valve. I know it is not original but it really helps if one has a rusty tank like I have.

[ltdann]

I spent the evening trying to remove the brass insert that makes up the top part of the filter. So far, all I have managed to do is destroy that piece, but I still haven't been able to get it out. Any suggestions?

Rich

[supergnat]

I would try soaking it in carburetor cleaner over night to see if will come loose then. If you have access to a small ultrasonic cleaner try putting it in that for awhile with solvent. That might break-up what ever is holding it in the valve. That's how I cleared the vents on an original gas cap.
Supergnat

[Neil Mylar LakewoodCA]

Tom,
Thank you for sharing your pictures.

Some thoughts on replacement shut off and filter:
1). I only recommend the USA made replacement shut off (or rebuild your original).
2). Some of the early replacement did not last very long. Those shutoffs are identifiable, in that they had a seam in them.
3). I replaced a shut off valve once, that did not have a pencil filter, but it did have a short pipe, which kept any rust debris on the bottom of the tank from entering the shut off.
4). I usually put some gas resistance sealer on the threads, before installing the valve. Be careful not to get any sealer on the filter screen.

Neil