CM-041325 What is an Accelerator Pump?

Description

The accelerator pump is a crucial carburetor component that provides an extra burst of fuel during acceleration for smooth power delivery. When it fails, drivers may experience sluggish acceleration, hesitation, sputtering, or stalling due to insufficient fuel flow. Replacement parts—such as diaphragms, discharge nozzles, pump cams, and check valves—are available in carburetor rebuild kits or sold individually. Proper adjustment of the accelerator pump is essential for performance, especially in racing or modified vehicles that demand higher fuel flow. Street vehicles typically have fixed settings, but performance carburetors allow fine-tuning for weight, gearing, and throttle response. Understanding accelerator pump function and adjustment helps you guide customers in keeping their carbureted engines—whether classic or high-performance—running smoothly and efficiently.