Poor acceleration and "sputtering" during accelleration may be due to a low oil level in the carburetor dashpots. Automatic transmission fluid works well in some carbs, but not in others. The old recommendation of "the same oil as used in the engine" is a good place to start. If this gives too lean a mixture on acceleration, try a slightly heavier oil; if too rich, then a lighter oil is indicated. Fill to within 1/4 inch of the top of the hollow air piston rod. Do not overfill!
Penni,
Correct your dash pot dampers are not hollow.
The reference to 'hollow piston rod' is the tube the dash pot damper runs inside that forms the reservoir for the damper oil.
Cheers
Peter W