1. The Accelerator Pedal: When you press the accelerator pedal, a cable is pulled.
2. The Throttle Cable: This cable is connected to a lever on the carburetor.
3. The Throttle Plate: This lever controls the throttle plate, a butterfly valve located within the carburetor's venturi.
4. Airflow Control: The throttle plate regulates the amount of air that flows into the carburetor. When the accelerator pedal is pressed, the throttle plate opens wider, allowing more air to enter.
5. Fuel-Air Mixture: The carburetor is designed to meter fuel in proportion to the airflow. As more air enters, a corresponding amount of fuel is drawn from the fuel bowl through jets and atomized into the airstream. This creates a combustible mixture.
6. Engine Speed: The increased flow of the air-fuel mixture into the engine cylinders causes the engine to run faster and produce more power. Releasing the accelerator pedal closes the throttle plate, reducing airflow and engine speed.
Specifics to a 1941 Chevy:
* Simple Carburetor: The 1941 Chevy likely had a relatively simple, single-barrel carburetor, perhaps a Stromberg or a Carter. These carburetors lacked the complex features of later designs.
* Mechanical Linkage: Everything was purely mechanical. No electronic controls were involved. The linkage from the pedal to the throttle plate was straightforward.
* Manual Choke: A separate choke lever was usually employed to enrich the fuel-air mixture during cold starts. This helped ensure easier starting and smoother running when the engine was cold.
* Potential for Wear: Over time, the throttle cable could stretch or fray, the carburetor linkage could become worn or sticky, and the throttle plate itself might become gummed up with deposits. This could lead to poor throttle response or inconsistent engine performance.
In short, the system is a relatively simple mechanical system designed to control the amount of air entering the engine, which in turn determines the amount of fuel delivered and the engine speed. Any issues would stem from mechanical wear and tear or carburetor adjustments.
