Here's why:
* Gravity Feed: While some very simple carbureted engines, particularly small ones, can rely on gravity to feed fuel from the tank to the carburetor, this method is limited by the height of the tank relative to the carburetor.
* Pressure Needed: Carburetors need a consistent, even flow of fuel at a specific pressure to function correctly. A fuel pump ensures this consistent pressure, even when the vehicle is on an incline or accelerating.
* Modern Engines: Most modern engines, even if carbureted, rely on a fuel pump to ensure sufficient fuel delivery.
Types of Fuel Pumps in Carburetor Systems:
* Mechanical: These pumps are driven by a camshaft lobe or other engine components and were common in older cars.
* Electric: These pumps are more common in modern carbureted engines. They are powered by the vehicle's electrical system and offer greater control over fuel pressure.
In short, while a gravity feed system is possible for some engines, most carbureted engines require a fuel pump to reliably supply fuel to the carburetor.
