The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop New Zenith Carbs?? not chineeze

Hi Y'all I found a dealer selling new Zenith 228 carbs. Y'all check this sight out and reply either way.

http://zenithfuelsystems.com/downdraft_228.htm

Have you checked the price on those?

Not yet, Lookin for feedback.

I believe that is "Zenith" same folks who made them 70 and more years ago.

The price was not insignificant when I checked, but I don't recall the number.

Zenith Fuel Systems was Zenith USA. Now located in Virginia, they moved there from Detroit. They have been in business since 1909, and as far as I am aware, produce their products in the USA.

Not certain today, but a few years ago, they sold only through their dealer network, not direct to the public.

They have a wonderful individual in their Customer Service Department. I won't post her name, but she answers the Customer Service telephone.

And if you compare these prices to some of the current new "junk", you will find they are maybe 3 times higher, but maybe 1000 times better. (Opinion)

Jon.

I'd be curious to see a price, I was on that page the other day. Let us know if you look in to it.

The webpage is simply an advertisement describing Zenith's product line.

Zenith makes hundreds of different carburetors of different prices. To get an exact price, you need to know WHICH Zenith (in this case which type 228) by tag number that you want. There is no general price.

Jon.

Suggesting that a simple venturi change makes a single model universally applicable does not inspire confidence!

Panic - the type 228 comes in several throttle body sizes. The different venturii are selected along with the proper throttle body size. And I agree, just changing the venturi without making other changes would not be a way to do carbs. Zeniths are not done in that manner.

I haven't really studied the information on the website, as I have been a Zenith dealer for probably 40 years, and have access to more information than is probably on the website. Have sold several hundred, perhaps more than a thousand, Zenith carbs over the years.

Jon.

The last time I looked into the Zenith carbs for the 235, the company was very helpful and pointed me toward a distributor not far from here (with whom I spoke at length). As I recall, this was around 2010 or 2011 and the price was significantly more than I expected. I was just wondering if you knew what the price was currently.

Would a Zenith N228 replacement for a Rochester B work?

Mike's Carburetor parts sells one for $339, plus shipping.
They also sell an air cleaner ($32).

That price is about what Chevs of the 40s or Classic Parts charges for a rebuilt Rochester carburetor (if you do not have a core).

Tim - I do not believe the N228 is a genuine Zenith carb. It appears to be one of the new offshore "replacements???".

I can flat tell you that there are NO GENUINE 228 series carbs that I can buy at WD cost anywhere cost to that advertised price!

Zenith does not offer a specific direct replacement carburetor for either the 235 or 261. Period.

So there are two choices:

(A) a universal replacement carburetor (the one Zenith sells in my opinion has too large a venturi for a stock 235, but will work well on a 261)
(B) determine an O.E. carb for another make which has a specific calibration.

Pros and cons:

(A)
Pro: has adjustable throttle shaft, adjustable throttle arm, adjustable choke shaft, adjustable choke arm, adjustable main metering jet.
Con: significantly more expensive because of all the adjustable components.

(B) REQUIRES either the customer or the seller to be a carburetor engineer to determine a good fit. WHY? Original equipment carburetors are calibrated for a specific application. Migrating to a different application successfully means determining what the customer has done to the engine, automatic or standard transmission, vehicle mass (weight), vehicle usage, and more. Typically, for the 235, AFTER answers to these questions, we would suggest 1 of about 20 different carbs (4 different venturi sizes) used on either a GMC 248 or an IHC 248. For the 261, again, after getting answers to the questions, 1 or many for a GMC 270 or an IHC 269.

Pro: cheaper carburetor cost than the universal
Con: requires significant research

As to the N228 (Opinion) - I would much prefer to find a Rochester B with maybe 500,000 miles and restore it. Those who have read my many posts concerning the Rochester B should understand this comment.

Jon.