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What is the main function of the accelerator system in a carburetor?

  1. To reduce fuel flow

  2. To manage fuel vaporization

  3. To increase fuel flow during rapid throttle movements

  4. To control engine temperature

The correct answer is: To increase fuel flow during rapid throttle movements

The main function of the accelerator system in a carburetor is to increase fuel flow during rapid throttle movements. When the throttle is opened quickly, there is a momentary delay before the main metering system delivers a sufficient amount of fuel to the engine. This can cause a brief period of engine hesitation or bogging down. The accelerator system, typically involving an accelerator pump, compensates for this by delivering an extra shot of fuel directly into the airflow, ensuring the engine receives adequate fuel immediately, thus maintaining smooth operation and performance. The accelerator pump's timely injection of fuel helps ensure that the engine doesn't experience a performance drop when the throttle is suddenly increased, which is essential for maintaining engine responsiveness and efficiency during acceleration.