How and Why to Adjust a Holley Carburetor Accelerator Pump

Randy Bolig

19 Jun 2017

Photos Via Holley How many times have you seen or heard a car try to take off when the light goes green, and for some unexplainable reason, it hesitates, or worse, stalls? The reason might not be unexplainable, and nine times out of ten it is caused by a simple adjustment being out of adjustment. In order to get a stock or mildly modified engine to accelerate smoothly, when you push down on the accelerator pedal, you typically need both an advance in ignition timing and an increase in fuel delivery. In a stock or mildly modified street machine, the distributor vacuum advance senses when you open the throttle and then provides additional timing advance that is required. But it is the duty of the accelerator pump on your carburetor to provide the momentary increase in fuel flow. The accelerator pump circuit(s) in a Holley carburetor acts to smooth the transition between the idle circuit and the main circuit. When properly adjusted, there will be no hesitation or stumble when the throttle is opened. In operation, the accelerator pump is connected by a linkage to the throttle butterfly shaft. When you accelerate, the accelerator pump squirts a spray of fuel directly into the throttle bores of the carburetor. This overcomes the momentarily lean condition by adding a shot of extra fuel. Differences in vehicle weight, transmission, and rear axle ratios will affect how much fuel along with the delivery rate of the fuel that must be provided by the accelerator pump. Given these factors, there’s a good chance you’ll have to tune the accelerator pump circuit to fit the needs of your vehicle. A straightforward series of adjustments can sort out the accelerator pump circuit(s) in your Holley carburetor: On a Holley carburetor, the accelerator pump is located on the bottom of the float bowl. The accelerator-pump system consists of three main components: the pump diaphragm, the pump cam, and the pump nozzle (“squirter” or “shooter”). If your car is experiencing a stumble, begin by first checking the clearance between the pump operating lever (beneath the screw and spring) and the pump diaphragm arm. Do this at wide-open throttle (with the fast idle cam disengaged); the clearance should be approximately 0.015-inch. If there is too much clearance (or conversely, not enough clearance), hold the screw at the bottom and adjust the nut at the top of the spring. Double-check the clearance (with a feeler gauge) at wide-open throttle. If the clearance is correct, you’ll see the pump arm move down as the feeler gauge blade is inserted. When you remove it, you’ll see the arm move back up a bit. The reason for the clearance is to ensure the pump diaphragm is never stretched to the maximum limit at wide-open throttle. Next, you will want to make sure that the accelerator-pump arm starts to move simultaneously with the throttle. The amount of fuel actually being delivered by one accelerator-pump stroke is determined by the capacity of the pump along with the profile of the accelerator pump cam. While some might think that a larger shooter will deliver more fuel, this is not correct. An accelerator-pump system is either 30 or 50cc, period. The squirter size affects the time that it takes for that fuel to be delivered by controlling the actual flow into the venturi. Holley accelerator pump nozzles are all stamped with a number that coincides with the diameter of the hole size. For example, a #40 shooter will have a hole size that measures 0.040-inch in diameter. Pump shooters or nozzles are available from sizes 25 through to 52. The largest nozzles are only suitable for use with 50 cc accelerator pumps, and well look at those down the page. A larger squirter allows delivery of the fuel much quicker than a smaller squirter nozzle. If you notice that your car first hesitates and then accelerates, it’s a sure bet that the pump-nozzle size should be increased. If a backfire (lean condition) is experienced when accelerating, this also calls for a larger pump-nozzle size. Conversely, if the car does not feel crisp or clean during off-idle acceleration, the pump-nozzle size may need to be decreased. Heavier cars, relatively mild engine combinations, those with lower numerical axle ratios and those with manual transmissions typically can make use of smaller pump nozzles (for example, shooters numbered 25-30). Lighter cars, cars with automatic transmissions or those with more engine modifications or those with higher numerical axle ratios can make use of larger pump nozzles (for example, shooters numbered 35-40). Whenever a #40 or larger accelerator pump nozzle is installed, you should replace the nozzle screw with a hollow example. This screw allows for more fuel flow to the pump nozzle. This ensures that the pump nozzle (not the screw) is the limiting restriction in the system. By the way, you should also be aware of the check valve needle that is underneath each shooter. It can be removed by turning the carburetor upside down (pointed side of the check valve faces down). This is important if you’re adjusting the shooters with the carb off the engine. Holley recommends that when tuning pump nozzles, you move up three sizes at a time: “If there is currently a hesitation with a number 28 pump nozzle, try a number 31 pump nozzle.” If you find you need a number 37 or larger pump nozzle, then its time to step up to a 50 cc “REO” kit (Holley part number 20-11). Once the proper squirter size has been selected, the accelerator-pump system can be further tuned by the pump cam. Holley offers an assortment of different pump cams, each with different lift and duration profiles (Holley part number 20-12). The cam profile affects the actual movement of the accelerator-pump lever and consequently, the amount of fuel available at the pump nozzle. Changing a pump cam is done by removing one screw, removing the old cam, and then placing the new pump cam next to the throttle lever, and re-installing the screw. Sometimes, there are two or three numbered holes in each pump cam. When inserting the screw in number one, this activates the accelerator pump early, allowing full use of the pump capacity. In general, most vehicles that typically run at lower idle speeds (600 or 700 rpm) find this position more useful, because they can have a good pump shot available right off this relatively low idle. Screw positions number two or three will delay the pump action. These two cam positions are usually better when used on engines that idle at 1,000 rpm or higher. Pump arm clearance and adjustment should be verified each time the pump cam is replaced or when the pump cam position is changed. We also need to discuss the actual accelerator pump. Like we said, there are two -- sized 30 and 50cc. The larger accelerator pump is sometimes required on heavily modified engines – particularly those with an automatic transmission. These combinations can experience a flat spot (bog) right after good initial acceleration. It simply means the carburetor ran out of fuel in the accelerator pump circuit and the booster venturi fuel flow wasn’t sufficient to keep the engine running efficiently. In this case, the larger pump capacity will help during the transition. While this is a common modification on automatic-transmission equipped cars, the 50cc is also sometimes a necessity with 2 X 4 tunnel ram applications as well. By the way for you curious types, the 30 and 50cc capacity is the volume of fuel that is displaced from the accelerator pump in 10 complete strokes of the pump arm. So the actual capacity is 1/10 that number or roughly 3 and 5cc respectively when opening the throttle from idle to wide open. The 50cc pump is easily recognizable by the large pump arm with the encapsulated spring. The 50cc pump also uses a larger pump cam -- either brown (conventional carburetors), or a yellow color (regularly used on 4500-series carburetors). https://www.racingjunk.com/news/2017/06/19/how-and-why-to-adjust-a-holley-carburetor-accelerator-pump/ Click Here to Begin Slideshow

Holley Carburetor Accelerator Pump, Tuning a Carburetor, Tech, How To, — Photos Via Holley How many times have you seen or heard a car try to take off when the light goes green, and for some unexplainable reason, it hesitates, or worse, stalls? The reason might not be unexplainable, and nine times out of ten it is caused by a simple adjustment being out of adjustment. In order to get a stock or mildly modified engine to accelerate smoothly, when you push down on the accelerator pedal, you typically need both an advance in ignition timing and an increase in fuel delivery. In a stock or mildly modified street machine, the distributor vacuum advance senses when you open the throttle and then provides additional timing advance that is required. But it is the duty of the accelerator pump on your carburetor to provide the momentary increase in fuel flow. The accelerator pump circuit(s) in a Holley carburetor acts to smooth the transition between the idle circuit and the main circuit. When properly adjusted, there will be no hesitation or stumble when the throttle is opened. In operation, the accelerator pump is connected by a linkage to the throttle butterfly shaft. When you accelerate, the accelerator pump squirts a spray of fuel directly into the throttle bores of the carburetor. This overcomes the momentarily lean condition by adding a shot of extra fuel. Differences in vehicle weight, transmission, and rear axle ratios will affect how much fuel along with the delivery rate of the fuel that must be provided by the accelerator pump. Given these factors, there’s a good chance you’ll have to tune the accelerator pump circuit to fit the needs of your vehicle. A straightforward series of adjustments can sort out the accelerator pump circuit(s) in your Holley carburetor: On a Holley carburetor, the accelerator pump is located on the bottom of the float bowl. The accelerator-pump system consists of three main components: the pump diaphragm, the pump cam, and the pump nozzle (“squirter” or “shooter”). If your car is experiencing a stumble, begin by first checking the clearance between the pump operating lever (beneath the screw and spring) and the pump diaphragm arm. Do this at wide-open throttle (with the fast idle cam disengaged); the clearance should be approximately 0.015-inch. If there is too much clearance (or conversely, not enough clearance), hold the screw at the bottom and adjust the nut at the top of the spring. Double-check the clearance (with a feeler gauge) at wide-open throttle. If the clearance is correct, you’ll see the pump arm move down as the feeler gauge blade is inserted. When you remove it, you’ll see the arm move back up a bit. The reason for the clearance is to ensure the pump diaphragm is never stretched to the maximum limit at wide-open throttle. Next, you will want to make sure that the accelerator-pump arm starts to move simultaneously with the throttle. The amount of fuel actually being delivered by one accelerator-pump stroke is determined by the capacity of the pump along with the profile of the accelerator pump cam. While some might think that a larger shooter will deliver more fuel, this is not correct. An accelerator-pump system is either 30 or 50cc, period. The squirter size affects the time that it takes for that fuel to be delivered by controlling the actual flow into the venturi. Holley accelerator pump nozzles are all stamped with a number that coincides with the diameter of the hole size. For example, a #40 shooter will have a hole size that measures 0.040-inch in diameter. Pump shooters or nozzles are available from sizes 25 through to 52. The largest nozzles are only suitable for use with 50 cc accelerator pumps, and well look at those down the page. A larger squirter allows delivery of the fuel much quicker than a smaller squirter nozzle. If you notice that your car first hesitates and then accelerates, it’s a sure bet that the pump-nozzle size should be increased. If a backfire (lean condition) is experienced when accelerating, this also calls for a larger pump-nozzle size. Conversely, if the car does not feel crisp or clean during off-idle acceleration, the pump-nozzle size may need to be decreased. Heavier cars, relatively mild engine combinations, those with lower numerical axle ratios and those with manual transmissions typically can make use of smaller pump nozzles (for example, shooters numbered 25-30). Lighter cars, cars with automatic transmissions or those with more engine modifications or those with higher numerical axle ratios can make use of larger pump nozzles (for example, shooters numbered 35-40). Whenever a #40 or larger accelerator pump nozzle is installed, you should replace the nozzle screw with a hollow example. This screw allows for more fuel flow to the pump nozzle. This ensures that the pump nozzle (not the screw) is the limiting restriction in the system. By the way, you should also be aware of the check valve needle that is underneath each shooter. It can be removed by turning the carburetor upside down (pointed side of the check valve faces down). This is important if you’re adjusting the shooters with the carb off the engine. Holley recommends that when tuning pump nozzles, you move up three sizes at a time: “If there is currently a hesitation with a number 28 pump nozzle, try a number 31 pump nozzle.” If you find you need a number 37 or larger pump nozzle, then its time to step up to a 50 cc “REO” kit (Holley part number 20-11). Once the proper squirter size has been selected, the accelerator-pump system can be further tuned by the pump cam. Holley offers an assortment of different pump cams, each with different lift and duration profiles (Holley part number 20-12). The cam profile affects the actual movement of the accelerator-pump lever and consequently, the amount of fuel available at the pump nozzle. Changing a pump cam is done by removing one screw, removing the old cam, and then placing the new pump cam next to the throttle lever, and re-installing the screw. Sometimes, there are two or three numbered holes in each pump cam. When inserting the screw in number one, this activates the accelerator pump early, allowing full use of the pump capacity. In general, most vehicles that typically run at lower idle speeds (600 or 700 rpm) find this position more useful, because they can have a good pump shot available right off this relatively low idle. Screw positions number two or three will delay the pump action. These two cam positions are usually better when used on engines that idle at 1,000 rpm or higher. Pump arm clearance and adjustment should be verified each time the pump cam is replaced or when the pump cam position is changed. We also need to discuss the actual accelerator pump. Like we said, there are two -- sized 30 and 50cc. The larger accelerator pump is sometimes required on heavily modified engines – particularly those with an automatic transmission. These combinations can experience a flat spot (bog) right after good initial acceleration. It simply means the carburetor ran out of fuel in the accelerator pump circuit and the booster venturi fuel flow wasn’t sufficient to keep the engine running efficiently. In this case, the larger pump capacity will help during the transition. While this is a common modification on automatic-transmission equipped cars, the 50cc is also sometimes a necessity with 2 X 4 tunnel ram applications as well. By the way for you curious types, the 30 and 50cc capacity is the volume of fuel that is displaced from the accelerator pump in 10 complete strokes of the pump arm. So the actual capacity is 1/10 that number or roughly 3 and 5cc respectively when opening the throttle from idle to wide open. The 50cc pump is easily recognizable by the large pump arm with the encapsulated spring. The 50cc pump also uses a larger pump cam -- either brown (conventional carburetors), or a yellow color (regularly used on 4500-series carburetors). https://www.racingjunk.com/news/2017/06/19/how-and-why-to-adjust-a-holley-carburetor-accelerator-pump/ Click Here to Begin Slideshow

The first step in tuning the accelerator pump circuit is to ensure the clearance on the pump cam arm is correct.

Tightening or loosening the nut on the screw that passes through the spring on the pump arm sets clearance. In this photo, clearance is obviously far too loose.

Holley recommends a final clearance figure of 0.015-inch between the pump screw and the accelerator pump arm. This is accomplished with the throttle wide open. See the text for details.

Holley offers a fabulous (very comprehensive) pump tuning kit under part number 36-184. As shown in the photo, the tuning package includes a wide assortment of shooters, shooter screws, pump cams, replacement diaphragms, pump cam screws, gaskets and other parts. By the way, you can also purchase any of the components separately.

You’ll come across two very common shooters (“squirters” or “nozzles”). One has “horns” and the other does not. There is no appreciable difference between the two types in performance

Shooters are stamped with a number on the body. The stamped number corresponds with the diameter of the shooter hole size. As you can see, this is a number 40 shooter.

The shooter(s) is located in the carb body, just above the venturi. This shooter screw (with the profiled button head) is typically found on Holley race carburetors.

More common are these shooter screws – a standard job with a Phillips head on the top and a hollow example with a flat blade screw slot on the bottom.

When replacing shooters, be careful if the carburetor is off the car and you tip it upside down. This check valve resides beneath the shooter (on the carb) and it can easily fall out. The “pointy” side goes down.

Holley offers a selection of pump cams under part number 20-12. Having an assortment of pump cams is mandatory when tuning accelerator pump circuits.

Pump cams are replaceable, and as you can see, they can have two, three or even one hole. The single hole job is for a 50-cc pump, while the others are used on 30 cc pumps. The carburetor will have a stamped number on the throttle shaft with position “1” or position “2”.

Here’s where the pump cams are mounted. A simple screw is removed and then the cam can be replaced. Please note that each time the pump cam is replaced, the pump arm clearance must be verified.

Once you exceed a number 37 shooter size or if your combination is a heavily modified automatic example, then you’ll have to step up to a 50 cc accelerator pump package. Holley offers a complete bolt in kit under part number 20-11.

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