Carter or Zenith?

I have a few Farmall's, I am by no means a restoration expert but I am having a blast learning. I have both Carter carburetors and Zenith carburetors on my tractors, I am also just new enough to not know the difference if one is better than the other.

I am not trying to start a contest but does it make a difference which one for the best running and the longest lasting?

Many times throughout the production history of tractors one supplier of carbs or other parts couldn't supply the total demand for one reason or another and alternate sources were used.

That's just how it was, doesn't necessarily mean on ''brand'' was ''better'' than the other.

Cockshutt 30s could have M-S or Zenith. Manufacturers in general will often source from more than one supplier to insure against supply
interruptions as well as playing one against the other for pricing.

It seems to me that Zenith parts are cheaper.

Carter, Zenith, Marvel Schebler were all the same basic, simple design.

Ford and maybe some others used Holley, which were internally different, more complex, and more prone to problems, best to be avoided.

The originals were better than the aftermarket knockoffs. If the original is not repairable, broken, or missing, a rebuilt original would be the better choice.

There are many subtle differences between carbs, physical dimensions, venturi size (determined by engine displacement), fuel inlet location, and throttle linkage geometry, very important for the governor to
function properly. That is one of the downfalls of the aftermarket
knockoffs, they are designed as fit-alls, and the linkage is rarely
exactly as it should be.

As for long lasting, the secret is clean, fresh fuel and proper care. The
old cast iron ones are more durable than the aluminum bodies, which many
aftermarket are aluminum. It takes a long time to wear out a carb, about
the only thing to wear is the throttle shaft, and that is replaceable.
Most problems are caused by abuse, neglect, and improper repair. Contrary
to some popular beliefs, a severe beating will not 'fix' a carburetor!
LOL

Have both Carter and zenith on Farmall sC s

I run them both out of gas when done by turning off the fuel shut off . In my experience I can make them flood very easily. I only holding in
choke on one revolution.

The zenith I had most difficulty issues with idle circuit . You need a .04 inch drill to clear out crusty crude from the idle passage in bowl .

Most of the zenith I have I had to do this to get them to idle with out the choke on .

The Carter the fuel bowl needle and seat. I have a flat shut off design from Macdonald carbs on it now . Most of the bowl issues were from
a grit in tank from bead blasting.it.

I also rebushed the throttle shaft for minimum clearance to have high vacuum .



I highly recommend you purchase the blue ribbon repair manual for carburetor , from eBay about the cheapest availability. That way you can

Have the most fun with your projects.

I think the carters cold start very well with out choking . I just pull out choke slightly after starting.

Good luck get the manual have fun