You’re not crazy — your 8N carburetor is just a different design, and what you’re doing is correct for that version. The internet is mixing apples and oranges.
Here’s the straight truth
There are two legitimate venturi styles used on Ford 8N–era Marvel-Schebler carbs:
1) Snap-in venturi (yours) — LOWER HALF
The venturi locks into the bowl (lower half).
It has retaining tabs or a machined shoulder.
You must install it in the bottom first.
When assembling:
Venturi goes in the bowl
Bowl gasket goes on
Top half is lowered and the venturi passes through the gasket
This is 100% correct for many TSX carbs used on Ford 8Ns
If you try to put this venturi in the top first, it:
Won’t seat
Won’t align
Can crack the casting if forced
2) Drop-in venturi — UPPER HALF
Gravity-fit design
Drops into the top casting
Bowl comes up underneath it
This is what most YouTube videos show
That style does NOT apply to your carburetor
Why the confusion?
Because people say “8N carburetor” like it’s one carb. It isn’t.
Ford used multiple Marvel-Schebler TSX variants over the 8N production run, and aftermarket castings added even more variations. Most videos show the drop-in venturi, so everyone assumes that’s universal. It isn’t.
Two things to double-check (important)
Venturi orientation
Small opening = up
Large opening = down
Gasket fit
The bowl gasket must not bunch up around the venturi
Light grease helps hold it flat during assembly
Bottom line
Your carburetor is designed to be assembled exactly the way you’re doing it
You’re not missing a part
You’re not assembling it wrong
The videos you’re watching are showing a different TSX variant
