question of the day

Well, your percolation issue is definitely due to using the thin gasket, and has nothing to do with the accelerator pump. If you switch it with the thick gasket, you'll probably stop boiling your fuel.

Not having an accelerator pump spring though would contribute to flooding issues, since you're trying to start the car without being able to prime it. If you take off the air filter, look down the carb throat, and hit the throttle with your hands, you should see a little squirt of gas go into the motor. if you don't, there's your issue.

Though, if it's the accelerator pump, if you step on the gas really suddenly from a dead stop, the engine should die, or at least stumble. If you get good throttle response though, the accelerator pump isn't your problem.