Fuel Filter

I opened up the inlet on the parts truck carb hoping to find one of those screen type filter inserts. Instead, I found this thing, apparently a filter as well. It is new to me. Were these common and did they work well?

Can't say I've seen that exactly before, but I would say that is not a filter but some form of "needle valve" or in otherwords, part of the float/inlet system. Looks to have a threaded "adjustment". What carb are you working on (make/model)?

Zenith internal fuel filter, very common on Zenith downdraft carbs.

They do a good job.

If dirty, they can generally be cleaned by an overnight soak in white vinegar.

Jon.

Thanks, the threaded end made me think it was something else. Good to know.

The pics are not very clear. It is a stack of discs that sort of "accordian" up and down on the shaft. When open the gaps between them are about 1/32". The carb is a Zenith 28 of some sort, the tag #'s are worn off. My carb has nothing in it where the gas enters so I am going to use this.

I found this pic on the web. The same filter but mounted in it's own housing with glass bowl, cool!

and one more showing installation in a carb. Is that the Devil himself trying to stir up trouble! How marketing has changed from those days.

Quote Worthy "I found this pic on the web. The same filter but mounted in it's own housing with glass bowl, cool!"

Well, close, but maybe no banana!

The pictured filter element is a TYPE of filter (like a tire). Zenith made many different ones. They differ in diameter, and also in the height based on the requirement of the application. Be careful of this should you see a new one somewhere (maybe ebay) and want to replace your current filter.

They do a good job of filtration, although probably some of the modern filters do a better job; but like the Carter ceramic elements, they may be washed (vinegar) and reused.

Jon.