anyone using the aftermarket Zenith Carbs on Ford 800 series?

fordcomanche · May 28, 2011

I have a Ford 850 that Ive owned and used for 30 years and it has been a great workhorse for me.
I've always experienced some carb issues over the years, like sticking float, etc... It has a Marvel TSX706 and I have rebuilt it several times over the years which restores normal operation for a season.

I'm in the process of putting a new gas tank on it and was considering whether the zenith replacement carb would be a better way to go. The ads online say the Zenith "performs better and better fuel economy than the original"

Anyone have any experience with the Zenith on the 800 series--Like/Dislike? Is it worth the trouble to change over?

Thanks

jda1961 · May 28, 2011

when i bought my 1964 4000 it had carb issues, i tried my hand at rebuilding it and it was ok but just was'nt right, i found one on ebay that the guy that was selling it said it was rebuilt, cleaned, and had factory spec settings and was ready to install. so i bought one and its the difference between night and day. the engine runs so much smoother now than before. the one i bought though is a marvel. i guess its all in if we guys know what we are doing when we rebuild something, if its done right its gonna run right. i'm no carb man and it showed in my rebuild. heres a link to the guy i bought mine from, but i did'nt pay this much for it, i think i paid 175 bucks for it.
FORD TRACTOR 801 901 4000 MARVEL SCHEBLER CARBURETOR | eBay

Soundguy · May 28, 2011

i have a zenith on an 850..

it's a good basic carb. starts and runs.

as for fuel economy.. someone lied to you BADLY when they said the z was better than the MS.

the ms carbs SIP gas compaired to the 2 fisted guzzler a zenith is. not to mention a 172ci engine is pretty hungry.

still.. the zenith is a bolt up fit and will work. unless you are working the tractor 8hrs a day day after day.. the decreased fuel economy won't be too bad.

mind you.. you can get rebuilt and repopped MS carbs too....

soundguy

fordcomanche · May 30, 2011

Guys,

Thanks for the carb info, based on your experience I will keep the Marvel and get a full rebuild on it.
The Marvel always seemed pretty good on the gas to me, but the online ads about the Zenith made me think it would be a big upgrade/improvement.

It sounds like keeping and rebuilding my original is the way to go.

Thanks again,
FordComanche

Soundguy · May 31, 2011

good luck.

either will work. if the ms keeps giving you issues get another ms repor or rebuilt model.. or the zenith... your call. all will make the tractor move..

soundguy