What is the function of the pickup tube in a carburetor?

The function of the pickup tube in a carburetor is to deliver fuel to the throat of the carburetor, utilizing the Venturi effect. The Venturi effect occurs when air flows through a narrowing in the carburetor, creating a drop in pressure that helps draw the fuel from the fuel bowl through the pickup tube. As the high-speed air passes through the venturi, it creates a low-pressure zone that allows fuel to be atomized and mixed with the air, which is essential for efficient combustion in the engine.

This principle is fundamental to carburetor operation, highlighting how the fuel delivery is dependent not only on the mechanical structure (pickup tube) but also on the dynamics of air movement within the carburetor. Understanding this function clarifies the critical role that airflow plays in the process of fuel delivery and mixture preparation before it enters the combustion chamber.