FDNY 343

So I took my B-Model out to it’s first show last weekend (since I’ve owned the truck) Fresh fill-up of Ethanol-Free gas and all seemed good, until the ride home. Started spitting, missing and ultimately shut down. After towing back home I checked the NEW fuel filters and they were slam packed with rust and all kinds of junk. I pumped out the tank and even more crap coming out and the “Fresh Gas” was Brown/Rust collored. Dropped the tank and it’s a mess inside, previous owner must have tried some type of tank sealer/liner which has broken down into some wicked chunks, along with carmelized fuel deposits and rust. Fortunately I am able to fabricate a New Alluminum tank, I’m rebuilding the Zenith Carburetor and replacing the Electric Fuel pump and Copper Fuel lines. A few questions, what have you guys used for fuel lines... Stainless? Nylon, Neoprene, or Steel/Copper plated? Other question is what is the proper fuel pressure to go to the Carb? Some of the Fuel Pumps I’m looking at are mentioning the Fuel Pressure they operate at. I’m hoping with a New Fuel System, New Plugs-Wires Cap and upgrading to Electronic Ignitions she’ll run like a champ *fingers crossed* any feedback would be helpful. Thanks

So I took my B-Model out to it’s first show last weekend (since I’ve owned the truck) Fresh fill-up of Ethanol-Free gas and all seemed good, until the ride home. Started spitting, missing and ultimately shut down. After towing back home I checked the NEW fuel filters and they were slam packed with rust and all kinds of junk. I pumped out the tank and even more crap coming out and the “Fresh Gas” was Brown/Rust collored. Dropped the tank and it’s a mess inside, previous owner must have tried some type of tank sealer/liner which has broken down into some wicked chunks, along with carmelized fuel deposits and rust. Fortunately I am able to fabricate a New Alluminum tank, I’m rebuilding the Zenith Carburetor and replacing the Electric Fuel pump and Copper Fuel lines. A few questions, what have you guys used for fuel lines... Stainless? Nylon, Neoprene, or Steel/Copper plated? Other question is what is the proper fuel pressure to go to the Carb? Some of the Fuel Pumps I’m looking at are mentioning the Fuel Pressure they operate at. I’m hoping with a New Fuel System, New Plugs-Wires Cap and upgrading to Electronic Ignitions she’ll run like a champ *fingers crossed* any feedback would be helpful. Thanks

Someone on a B Model page said it was a Vacuum Operated Governor? They pointed out that the screws have security holes in them, I haven't taken the front plate off yet because I didn't know what if anything could possibly come popping out on me....lol....that's my luck

Does anyone know what this rectangular box is at the base of my Zenith Carb. there is a copper tube that runs down to the exhaust manifold. I was wondering if it was some kind of automatic choke valve.... once the motor heats up maybe a spring or something opens in base of Carb???

Does anyone know what this rectangular box is at the base of my Zenith Carb. there is a copper tube that runs down to the exhaust manifold. I was wondering if it was some kind of automatic choke valve.... once the motor heats up maybe a spring or something opens in base of Carb???

Thank You All, I'm going to look into that Tomorrow

I’m trying to find a blog somewhere here on BMT where a guy updated and swapped out his distributors with HEI ?

I’m trying to find a blog somewhere here on BMT where a guy updated and swapped out his distributors with HEI ?

That was before I found the one I received the other day. But I'd like to find someone that sells them restored just in case....lol

So I've been chasing many Vacuum Leaks on my 1955 B Model Gas motor Rig. I rebuilt a vacuum control diverter valve on the Hale Fire Pump that was leaking like a sieve, I believe I fixed a Vacuum leak going to the Hydrovac Unit for the brakes. I now think I have a Vacuum leak in the Zenith Carburetor which I believe could be worn Vacuum Pistons of the Governor Throttle or the Vacuum Controlled Pump Piston of the accelerator pump. Either way I guess I have to rebuild the Carb, which leads me to my question... Are there any Complete Rebuild Kits out there? Are there any Rebuilt Carburetors out there? I've been all over the internet and have come up empty, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Jimmy K 1955 Mack B85 Thermadyne Fire Engine

So I've been chasing many Vacuum Leaks on my 1955 B85 Thermadyne Gas motor Fire Engine. I rebuilt a vacuum control diverter valve on the Hale Fire Pump that was so dry rotted and leaking like a sieve, I believe I fixed a Vacuum leak going to the Hydrovac Unit for the brakes. I now think I have a Vacuum leak in the Zenith Carburetor which I believe could be worn Vacuum Pistons of the Governor Throttle or the Vacuum Controlled Pump Piston of the accelerator pump. Either way I guess I have to rebuild the Carb, which leads me to my question... Are there any Complete Rebuild Kits out there? Are there any Rebuilt Carburetors out there? I've been all over the internet and have come up empty, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Jimmy K 1955 Mack B85 Thermadyne Fire Engine

It appears to be, I was just reading on another thread about having to bleed a Hydrovac? Is that the tank on the Drivers side that the 1 brake line off the Master goes to? Is there a bleeding procedure for that? Someone said bleed that first, then go to furthest wheel cylinder which would be passenger side rear I would imagine and start bleeding from there. I'm unfamiliar with the Hydrovac System if that is in fact what is on this truck. I just assumed they were Hydraulic/Mechanical.

I didn't have it running when I bled them. I used the Venturi vacuum system from Harbor Freight to bleed each line. I kept topping off the master as I went along. Some brown crappy fluid came out and it appeared that overall the flushing of the system went well. Prior to starting it I topped off the master again, started her up, released the emergency brake and pushed on the brake peddle (Rig was running) and to the floor it went. I tried pumping it a few times but it didn't work..... no brakes. I looked again at each wheel and under the truck and I don't see any fluid leaks.

I was able to get a new Master Cylinder from NAPA, I installed it today, did a vacuum of bleed on each wheel, topped of the master, started her up and when I hit the brake pedal .... to the floor it went. No Brakes, I tried pumping them a few times, looked under the rig....no leaks that I can see.... Still No Brakes. I'm going to try the old school brake bleeding tomorrow and see what happens. Any thoughts or ideas what else could be the problem ? How exactly does the vacuum canister work in the braking system ?

Is this truck still available?