Testing an Accumulator?.....

[fred cook]

Does anyone know of a way to test an accumulator for proper operation? I have the engine out of the chassis right now and if it is bad, it will be much easier to replace now rather than later. The reason that I am inquiring is that the fuel pump safety shut off was disconnected. I suspect that a previous owner pulled the plug because the accumulator was not holding pressure.

Thanks,

[fred cook]

What is the difference between the 1977-1979 accumulator and the 1980-1983 accumulator (other than being 1/2 the price!)? Both are for CIS systems and both are for SC cars (78-79 and 80-83).

Thanks,

[LM3929]

the 80 - 83 is larger

[cmonref]

Fred,

If you are not having "hot start" problems, the accumulator is working OK. If you ARE having hot start problems, you can test the accumulator by loosening the bottom hose and seeing if it leaks gasoline. If you get the hose connection all the way loose and no gasoline comes out, the accumulator is -- at least -- not leaking through the diaphram (the most common failure mode.)

Need I mention being careful with the prospect of gasoline dripping from the loosened hose connection? It will not be under pressure and the volume will be quite small. Take precautions to catch any leakage that may occur.

[fred cook]

My car has always started easily, but, the fuel pump safety switch plug had been pulled and left off. Which means, of course, that the fuel pump would run even if the engine was not being cranked over or running. I tested the safety switch and it seems to work properly so I have to wonder if a previous owner or his mechanic had pulled the plug (so to speak) so the engine would start quickly. Right now I have the drivetrain out of the car and it is easy to work in the engine compartment on things that are usually a pain to remove and install. I am going to replace the sound pad on the firewall and the hoses that run across the bottom of the firewall before replacing the engine and would do likewise with the accumulator if it is not working properly. I guess that I will have to wait until the engine is back in the chassis to see how it responds to having the safety switch re-connected.

Thanks,