VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1912-1928 Backfire and Miss after running out of fuel

Afternoon Gentlemen, Ive been Combing the forum looking for answers and Im left with more questions than answers so I think its time I ask for some opinions.
CAR:
Pretty sure its a 1925 Superior K (I was told its a 24 Superior F but the model tag, Original plates, and reference sheet from this site all point me to the superior K)
Problem:
Runs Fine at Idle, Spits and pops as it revs until it just pops and stutters till it shuts off.
I was driving it last week when I ran out of gas. I filled it up and when I started it again it struggled (this was expected since the lines were probably dry). Finally it began to run and idle normally when all the sudden there was a louder than normal back fire and since then my problems have been when I try to use the accelerator.

I would say your carb is running too lean and likely picked up some debris when you sucked the tank dry. Could be under the needle valve or one of the circuits. A good cleaning will do the trick. If backfiring through the exhaust then I would suspect timing or a rich condition.

As far as 24 or 25, do you have semi elliptical or full leaf springs? The 24 will have semi-elliptical springs. Let us know how you make out.

Okay so I've done a lot of fiddling and pondering and heres what I'm thinking. At first i was hesitant to think that debris in the carburetor was the problem because i have 2 inline filters before it reaches the carb. After talking to some car guys this weekend at a show we determined that because the car sat for 10-15 years before i got my hands on it for all I know i Jarred something loose that has been in there and has gummed it all up.
This leads me to my next question though, anyone know where to get a rebuild kit for my Zenith updraft V4b Carb? Im gonna search the web today but if anyone knows a reputable part dealer that would make me more comfortable.

Also i have semi elliptical springs so I'm guessing its a 24... or maybe when my grandfather rebuilt it he made a Zombie...

Daytona Parts in Florida http://daytonaparts.com/ and Carb King, Jon Hargrove in Eldon, Missouri http://thecarburetorshop.com/ are your best bets.

Not doubting you but are you sure of the Zenith carb model? I may be wrong but I thought the Zenith V4B had mounting holes side to side vs fore and aft. Chevrolet changed the flange orientation in 25 so I wonder of you have a 25 or newer intake? The 23/24 have the flange mounting holes fore and aft and came with the Zenith T4X series carbs as one option.

Regardless, as Chipper recommended, Carb King would be my recommendation as well. I have used them a few times and they are very reputable. As for your analysis I would say there is a high likelihood you have some gummed up junk in the carb from sitting.

The Zenith V-4B and Carter RX-0 were factory installed carburetors in 1925.

Didn't the 24 and earlier cars have quarter elliptical springs and 25 and later the semi elliptical springs?
If it has semi elliptical springs I would have it would be no earlier than 1925.

See here under History for illustrations of leaf spring types:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaf_spring

franco

Franco,
Thanks for the clarification, I used the term semi when I was referring the quarter elliptical. I own a 24 and it has the quarter elliptical springs. That would explain his carb mounting flange. My apologies for the confusion.