What's a fuel "accumulator" & do I need it? | FerrariChat
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What's a fuel "accumulator" & do I need it?

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by TOM B, Jan 16, 2005.

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  1. TOM B

    TOM B Formula 3

    Jul 24, 2003
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    Thomas Buckley
    #1 TOM B, Jan 16, 2005
    In a 3.2 Mondial there is an "accumulator" between the fuel pump and the fuel filter. What does it do and can I bypass it or is it needed for proper functioning of the fuel system? Thanks.


    Tom
     
  2. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
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    #2 f355spider, Jan 16, 2005
  3. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #3 Steve Magnusson, Jan 16, 2005
    Although you do need one, you don't necessarily need to pay the F price -- you (or your shop) should be to get a replacement directly from a Bosch source (using the stamped 10 digit Bosch PN).

    What's your situation? Is a shop telling you that you need a new one?
     
  4. TOM B

    TOM B Formula 3

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    Thomas Buckley
    #4 TOM B, Jan 16, 2005
    Dave, thanks.
    Steve, While removing the fuel filter I snapped off the solid fuel line, at the top of the filter, from the fitting that goes into the fuel filter. I was thinking of a quick fix by using rubber fuel line and it would be easier if I could just bypass the accumulator. After reading the link from Dave, I have to rethink the whole thing. Apparantly, my idea for using a generic fuel filter may not be a good one. It seems as if the big Bosch fuel filter is needed because of the K-Jetronic's sensitivity to even the smallest of particles.

    I don't think I can do this the cheap and easy way :(


    Tom
     
  5. Verell

    Verell F1 Veteran
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    May 5, 2001
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    #5 Verell, Jan 16, 2005
    I think the mondial uses the same fuel filter as the 308. I bought an exact (WIX I believe) replacement from AutoZone for something like $17. Just get the p/n off of the old filter (usually a BOSCH) and cross-reference it. Mechanicly identical replacement, even had 'Made in Israel" stamped on it in the same case lettering as the original one. Only difference was the brand & p/n printed on it!!

    The 308's accumulator is used on a fair number of cars. I bought a BOSCH one from an online auto parts supplier for something like $115. Unfortunately my notes are in the now off-line Old FerrariChat archives(sigh)...
     
  6. Gianluca

    Gianluca Formula Junior

    May 6, 2003
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    #6 Gianluca, Jan 17, 2005
    When I needed a fuel accumulator, I tried the supplier that Verell mentioned but the price had gone up quite a bit ( I remeber telling the guy that others had bought it for a lot less to no avail).
    FoUK was the least expensive of all (70 some PS) but after shipping (40+ PS) I would have done much better with Rutland ( about $ 170 + shipping).
     
  7. Verell

    Verell F1 Veteran
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    #7 Verell, Jan 17, 2005
    Search for my thread. I remember finding a BOSCH site that listed other cars that used the same accumulator, & also the BOSCH p/n. Think I posted the link, etc. or maybe even the cross-ref. info.
     
  8. billh

    billh Karting

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    #8 billh, Jan 17, 2005
    I have a bosch catalog that lists all the vehicles that use that particular part number. I can check it when I get home tonight....

    Bill
     
  9. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #9 Rifledriver, Jan 17, 2005
    Not only is that system very sensitive to very small particles it is also very sensitive to water. Either can do great damage. The Bosch filter is designed to cope with both of those. Don't be cheap, it is a false economy. Just say no to anything but Bosch.
     
  10. DGS

    DGS Six Time F1 World Champ
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    #10 DGS, Jan 18, 2005
    While you need a good filter, you also need an accumulator on a CIS car. The CIS uses fuel pressure to meter the fuel injection. The accumulator absorbs any pressure surges from the fuel pump so the CIS manifold is dealing with a steady system pressure, and all the sundry metering pressures derived therefrom.

    Otherwise, with a 3.2 engine, the lambda loop will be chasing mixture oscillations from system pressure variations, and around and around it goes.
     

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