Wisconsin VH4D carburetor replacement

CaptainL · Sep 25, 2021

I have a 1967 Universal skidsteer loader model 150M which is powered with a Wisconsin VH4D engine. The original carb is a Zenith updraft L63-AZ 13422. I have pulled the carb and disassembled all jets and dipped the carb body 24hrs before installing the rebuild kit. The card still seems too hard to push fuel into the bowl. In troubleshooting the problem, I tried blowing into the supply line and passage was good through the open needle valve until the card was reassembled. Then the fuel inlet was much more difficult. I determined the main jet that apparently vents the fuel bowl runs vertically within the carb body and vents through two tiny passages in the carb body throat and seems to be the only means to vent the bowl to allow it to fill with fuel. Clearing this obstruction resulted in about 60 minutes of good running until it died again, starving of fuel. The fuel pump is putting out fine. Frustrated, I'd like to replace this carb.
The replacement Zenith carb is very pricey to replace so I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on another carb in its place; something more affordable? I have been looking at the carb used on a 4cyl ford 8N which has the same 2-1/4" intake flange. I feel confident I can adapt the linkage from my machine. Any thoughts or recommendations?

ROUSTABOUT · Sep 28, 2021

What made it starve out on fuel? I'd check more into fuel and filtration. I mean, if it clogged up and starved out, that came from somewhere.

CaptainL · Sep 29, 2021

Fuel and filtration have been addressed. I have a new in-line fuel filter and a new water separator fuel filter and the gasoline is fresh and free of debris. The air filter is the original with an oil trap and I have flushed that out completely and replaced with new oil. The engine develops excellent intake vacuum so drawing fuel isn't an issue. I'm convinced the problem is in the vent tube I referred to, which is a fixed tube ending in two tiny orafices in the carb throat, making it difficult to clean. There may be corrosion inside the carb body but its not possible to run anything through the port; just compressed air or carb spray. Never came across a carb with such finicky bowl venting.
I have ordered the alternate carburetor I mentioned which should arrive soon and I will report my outcome.

CaptainL · Oct 23, 2021

As promised, I am passing along the outcome from switching the original Zenith updraft carb L63-AZ with a new replacement carb for a Ford 8N engine. My reason for this switch was cost. The replacement (rebuilt) Zenith was advertised for over $400 after shipping. I purchased a new carb for the 8N for $40 including shipping (through amazon).
The new carb had a matching flange and throat size and was designed to serve on a comparable cubic inch 4 cylinder engine, so I tried it.
After simply switching the choke and throttle cables to the front of the carb to change the direction of control, I am running again and with more power than I have ever had in the past. I feel it was a real success and am very pleased with the outcome.

07wingnut · Oct 23, 2021

CaptainL said:
As promised, I am passing along the outcome from switching the original Zenith updraft carb L63-AZ with a new replacement carb for a Ford 8N engine. My reason for this switch was cost. The replacement (rebuilt) Zenith was advertised for over $400 after shipping. I purchased a new carb for the 8N for $40 including shipping (through amazon).
The new carb had a matching flange and throat size and was designed to serve on a comparable cubic inch 4 cylinder engine, so I tried it.
After simply switching the choke and throttle cables to the front of the carb to change the direction of control, I am running again and with more power than I have ever had in the past. I feel it was a real success and am very pleased with the outcome.

Thanks for that. I have 2 VH4D engines, both on gasoline, and I am sure this info will come in real handy.