Rebuilding and Understanding the Autolite 1101 Carburetor: The Classic One in Simplicity and Performance

If you're up for restoring a classic Ford or if you wish to study vintage carburetors a bit, then Autolite 1101 needs to be studied. The Autolite 1101 was produced primarily in the early 1960s, designed for use with straight-six Ford engines. The one-barrel setup was less complex and interestingly hard-built for robust performance at a time when fuel injection was something really ahead of its time.

The History Behind the Autolite 1101

Trying to give an inch in drivability and fuel economy, Ford sought the help of Autolite 1101 on small to mid-size engines like the 144, 170, and 200 ci inline-six motors. Popular for its mechanical simplicity and ease of maintenance, the 1101 idled more smoothly and was friendlier when it came to cold starts compared to many of its predecessors.

Certainly, though, the one was never really built for the big-time racing; it's the daily driving situations where it shines: dependable and fuel-efficient. That makes it a favorite among the classic car crowd, ensuring the car remains authentic while making sure it drives nicely and smoothly.

Key Features

The Autolite 1101 was a single-barrel downdraft carburetor that may feature either a manual or an automatic choke, depending on the year and application. It simply had a float bowl set-up, accelerator pump, and an idle mixture screw. Thus, tuning and rebuilding are easy enough for any DIY apprentice.

Some features that would distinguish the 1101:

Cast aluminum body resists corrosion

Simple linkage for throttle and choke

Compatible with Ford Load-O-Matic vacuum advance distributors (in many cases)

Rebuilding Autolite 1101

One of the best features about the Autolite 1101 carburetor is its ability to be rebuilt. A basic rebuild will freshen up your carburetor and bring it back to factory performance. In general, the rebuild includes: 

Disassembly-In carefully disassembling the entire carburetor, the technician removes all vacuum lines and linkages, takes the carburetor off the intake manifold, and disassembles it on a clean bench, setting parts aside as they proceed. 

Cleaning- Clean the carburetor with carpenter's cleaner and small brushes until varnish, carbon deposits, and old gasket materials are cleaned out.

Final Remarks

Autolite 1101 carburetor stands higher as a fine example of adage engineering and working simplicity. Maybe you are restoring an old Ford Falcon or building an old pickup. In either case, the carburetor will provide a solid base for a smooth and dependable operation. Parts remain available for it, and rebuilds are quite simple, so the 1101 still lends a helping hand to vintage car owners almost fifty years after it found its way on the road.

It is the revival of this carbon system of history; understanding and working on this carburetor will help keep your vintage car running better for another 100 years. To know more information about the Autolite 1101 carburetor, contact CFM Carburetor Rebuilds.