Zenith 550 carb info needed

[Mac_Muz]

Does anyone here know anything about Zenith 550 carbs? Circa 1937-1939

I got saddled with a set of these on a boat, and I have no experience with them.

Is it normal for fuel to be just past the choke plate, in a pool about 3/8" DEEP, by the width and length of the MANIFOLD BEFORE THE throttle plate?

I guess if you know what these are I don't need to say up draft.....

This may be normal, but since I am not sure, and since my guess is this could be dangerous.. I stopped work when I saw gas there....

There is a brass pick up tube, and I thought it must be for matching air pressure in the float bowl, but it might be for gas if gas should be there.

Attempting to start the engine which does run, gas drips out of the choke plate mount rod ends alot more than I think it should....

I don't know where to find information on the web for this...

Any help at all will be muchly appreciated. Mac

hope no one minds I asked elsewhere on the net for help......

[Mr. Know It All]

Mac......Try the forum on this site---> http://www.oldmarineengine.com/index.html
What kind of Marine engine are ya working on? Atomic Bomb?
Peace---> Kevin in Ohio

[John E Hardiman]

Sounds like the fuel float is sunk or the float needle is stuck open/damaged.

Did this just happen or has the engine been sitting for a while?

[Mr. Know It All]

There is some info on Zenith carbs on this site BUT it seems to be on more recent Zenith carbs from the 40's. You might want to take a look anyway-----> http://www.geocities.com/atomfour/
It's got pictures and diagrams.
Peace----> Kevin in Ohio

[Mr. Know It All]

This place sells parts for Zenith Carb's--> http://www.foleyengines.com/

[Mac_Muz]

Thxs for the sites and info..... My question exactly was shouldthere be or should there not be fuel in the air horns?

After some digging, it turns out there should not be.... So steps will be taken to correct the matter..

The boat is not mine, and as I understand has never run right for some time... Since the fuel is being drawn by a pick up tube that does the job of sucking in a small spill the system runs rich.... And since gas replaces itself in the air horns the pick up tube never stops sending unmetered fuel into the engine..... So the engine runs rich all the time....

Today I think these carbs will show up in the shop. When that happens I can see if the floats float, and see what the problem is, and correct it.

I needed info thats all.... Mac

[ccmanuals]

There is a Zenith updraft carb manual that you can download (free) on my web site (select the "engine manuals" link) at:

http://ccmanuals.crosswinds.net

Tom

[GROOVY]

I bet it is a stuck float, or bent float arm.
had the same problem..

[Mac_Muz]

Tom this is a Zenith 550 from circa 1939. I don't see it on your site, but it is a great sire just the same...

I got my grubby mitts on the worst of the 2 carbs and the needle was bad, and the float was set wrong.... Seems to need 2 and 24/64th inches for this one... Waiting on a another kit, and the guy has been running this "BOMB" for the past 15 years, and I can't get him to wait a few days!!!! Mac