The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Carburetor options on my 235

I have been having issues getting my truck to run right (stalling, backfires, etc etc). I disassembled the Zenith carb and checked everything out and put it back together. I turned the thumb screw all the way in, then out 2 1/2 turns. That was this morning. When I started it (with choke) it ran great, probably the best since I've had it. Then without choke it ran smooth and idled great. I then drove it to get weighed and it started stalling when coming to a stop, then finally it won't idle at all anymore. I tried putting the screw back in and out 2 1/2 hal turns and adjusting it either way a couple turns in 1/2 turn increments, but nothing helps. Then I noticed gas dripping from a peice of linkage that comes straight down below the float bowl. So I am guessing I need to rebuild the carb. However, I got to thinking, and have come to the following questions that I hope to get your ideas, suggestion, help about:

I plan on using this truck everyday, so I want the absolute most reliable and fuel effecient setup I can get. That said, Here are my questions:

Should I rebuild this carb? It is a Zenith 11275, which a can't find a speck of data about.
or should I replace it with the appropriate 1961-62 carb that would have been original to the engine?
Should I get a different carb that is more reliable.
Should I get the most modern auto choke carb that will fit on the engine without major modification to get better gas mileage and reliability?

I am kind of going toward a resto-mod on the truck.
Thanks,
AW

You have the classic symptom of a flooding carb, caused by either a dirty or worn needle valve or a sunk float. It's not really hard to repair and I would rebuild the carb you have.

The Zenith 11275 should work extremely well on your 235; however I might suggest trying a different setting before rebuilding. Try setting the idle mixture control screw at 3/4 turn, and the high speed mixture screw at 1 and 1/2 turns (set both after the engine is warm and the choke is off); then adjust your idle speed with the throttle positioner screw. This should lean out the mixture to where the engine will not stall. If not, then time to rebuild the carb.

Jon.