DIY Fuel Accumulator Replacement question

[wannaporsche]

I have a few DIY mechanical fixes under my belt, but still consider myself a newbe. Just replaced an H4 headlight bulb last night and feel like Sir Isaac Newton.

I have a fresh new fuel accumulator sitting on my desk and want to replace my old one myself. I've read thru this great thread replacing fuel accumulator : time estimate …and feel ready to go, except for one thing. The fuel filter and FA in the picture look like they're in an engine bay where the engine's been dropped…so there's tons of room. Looking in my bay, there's at least a heater hose if not a few other 'too by' looking things blocking my access… so I'm wondering -- which parts on a 1980 SC should be removed 1st in order to gain access to the FA… if any… before attempting an FA swap?

[Flat6pac]

the hose on the SC left side just comes out of the way. Theyre usually clamped lightly because of the need for removal.
Breal all the lines loose including the fuel filter so everything is free to line up on install.
When you have every line loose, undo the band and change out.
Bruce

[boyt911sc]

Tim,

From 1 to 10 degree of difficulties, I would give this project a '2' or '3'. Simply because you need two (2) wrenches to loosen and tighten the fittings. '3' because accessibility is some what hindered in some engine set-up. This is a very easy project.

My question to you is why are you replacing the FA? What problem/s are you having or you simply feel the need to replace it. Keep us posted.

Tony

[wannaporsche]

Replacing the FA because the car runs great, cold starts great… but then after a good long run, if i park to say grab something at the store, when I come out and try starting it won't go. It cranks dry, and I have to pump the gas pedal to coerce the fuel to get it to fire up. After that, it runs great again.

FA's my diagnosis based on research here… I'll follow up after the swap to say whether or not it fixes my warm start issue.

[ossiblue]

Originally Posted by wannaporsche

Replacing the FA because the car runs great, cold starts great… but then after a good long run, if i park to say grab something at the store, when I come out and try starting it won't go. It cranks dry, and I have to pump the gas pedal to coerce the fuel to get it to fire up. After that, it runs great again.

FA's my diagnosis based on research here… I'll follow up after the swap to say whether or not it fixes my warm start issue.

Just to tag on, a bit, to Tony's question. Hard start after a warm run can be the accumulator, but not necessarily. The fact that you already have a new one (and laid out the $$ for it) really makes my comments somewhat moot except for the fact it may not be the issue at all. You can do one more simple test to confirm.

Your accumulator has a line connected to the bottom that runs to the return line back to the tank. Disconnect that line and plug it or clamp it closed, leaving the connection at the accumulator open (a little gasoline may drip out of the accumulator, but don't jump to conclusions if it does.) Place a glass container under the opening of the accumulator and start the fuel pump. If any gasoline drips or runs out of the bottom of the accumulator, then it is, indeed, bad. If, however, the pump runs and no gas comes from the accumulator, it is good and the loss of residual pressure is from some other source in the system.

By the way, pumping the gas pedal will not help to start the car. If you have a loss of residual pressure, the only way it will start (when warm) is when pressure has built up again in the system--through continual cranking or priming by lifting the plunger in the intake.

[blk911]

Tim,

Also you may find the fuel lines are pretty tough to disconnect as they are hard plastic inside of a rubber casing. You might be prepared to make a trip to the local parts store for a replacement high pressure fuel line. I just did my accumulator a couple weeks ago and it was indeed the fix, but had the cut the fuel lines to remove them and so I replaced them just for saftey's sake.