Quote:
Originally Posted by CMcAllister
ON is open in either direction. OFF is closed stopping oil from moving to the engine while allowing it to charge the can until pressure is equalized with engine pressure. Having the valve ON while on track, as opposed to using a pressure switch, allows the accumulator to "catch" a sudden pressure drop before it reaches a low point and keep the galleries full, since the can is charged to engine oil pressure. Having it open all the time requires the oil pump to recharge the can every time the engine is started since it will dump into the engine with the valve open. An electric valve also allows mounting in places that may be difficult to get to in order to operate a manual valve. I quickly found it inconvenient to have to start the engine, allow the can to charge, close the valve and shut the engine off at the end of the day. Just my experience with it.
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Absolutely NOT trying to be difficult, but I don't understand your comments about having to start the engine to re-charge the accumulator during the day, and about the inconvenience of charging it at the end of the day. The primary purpose of an accumulator is provide an "insurance" oil supply in a situation like the one that's often encountered past the finish line. Why would you charge it after every run? As you say, it's function is "controlled" by engine oil pressure. It "takes care of itself". After the initial morning start & warmup, the engine remains relatively warm and is certainly primed. At the end of the day, you put the front wheels on the trailer ramp, raise the engine speed a bit, close the valve and winch the car in. What am I missing?