Fuel Pressure Accumulator - Do they ever go bad? How can I tell?

[Lugnutz77]

Could a bad Fuel Pressure Accumulator be causing a fuel leak?

The back story: My fuel supply system is a mess. Mostly cobbled up hose clamps and high pressure hoses - even on a banjo bolt. Yep!
My plan is to drop the tanks and clean them. Then start with fresh hoses. I may regret this but it's better than being stranded somewhere.

My fuel filter started leaking at the outlet yesterday. Maybe something is plugged up between the filter and the fuel distributor? I guess that's possible.

Today I installed (or rather tried to install) a new Bosch fuel filter but it leaks too. The ends of the filter were not flat like the one I removed, but had a slight step that you can see in the photos. The thin copper washer fits inside perfectly, but I only have one of those. I bought some new copper washers at Harbor Freight and used a propane torch to anneal one washer so it would soften and hopefully seal better. It still leaks.

So how can I tell if the Accumulator is bad? It looks like it could be from 1977.
Thanks
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[jaredmac11]

I cant say yes or no, but I can share my experience. I left some gas in the tank before storage, made my whole system go to shit. Had to replace the lines up to the distributor, had to clean the injectors, replace the filter, clean the in tank pump AND replace the outside tank pump. I didnt mess the accumulator. However, I do lose fuel pressure when the car isnt running (difficulty starting after turning it off 10-30 minutes prior). I believe thats my bum accumulator, just fits the symptoms. However its not a pressing issue to shell out $65 to fix it.

Long story short, if you have fuel issues, save yourself the trouble, replace everything old. Except the in-tank pump. Those are not readily available.

edit: Also, I purchased a Mahle fuel filter from pelican parts. No issues with leaking. Went through 3 of em (2 ruined from sludge, 1 plugged in now). I was sort of in denial that I didnt properly drain my tanks and created fuel sludge. 2 filters later, I dropped the tanks and confirmed what the back of my mind was saying.

[epmedia]

The fuel accumulator absorbs pressure shocks and maintains some pressure in the fuel system when the pumps are off. The fuel filter is down-stream of he accumulator. The OE fuel system is designed to not leak when it is PROPER, regardless of a clog somewhere, which is why even the fuel return line is designed for high fuel pressure too (well beyond 100 psi, fyi: the external pump can spike above 150psi).

The hose and clamp on the OUT of your fuel filter is improper and the hose looks like it's bursting. You need to replace that hose and clamps. And whatever else is improper, NOW.

[Lugnutz77]

Well that's just great! I love spending money. Haha!
Here's my list. Please suggest additional items if you care to.
new accumulator - part# 16121118899
fuel line from accumulator to fuel filter inlet - part# 16121118888
fuel line from fuel filter outlet to fuel distributor supply hard line - part# 16121118886
new copper washers - part# 07119963201
fuel pump to accumulator fuel line - part# 16121118887
generic high pressure fuel hose and new hose clamps
Mahle Fuel filter (as I suspect the Bosch filter I have will not seal properly)

[Hagbard]

Hmm

[epmedia]

Well that's just great! I love spending money. Haha!
Here's my list. Please suggest additional items if you care to.
new accumulator - part# 16121118899
fuel line from accumulator to fuel filter inlet - part# 16121118888
fuel line from fuel filter outlet to fuel distributor supply hard line - part# 16121118886
new copper washers - part# 07119963201
fuel pump to accumulator fuel line - part# 16121118887
generic high pressure fuel hose and new hose clamps
Mahle Fuel filter (as I suspect the Bosch filter I have will not seal properly)

Make sure the 'nut' and 'slip ring' are still on the hard line under the tank access cover for this hose:
fuel line from fuel filter outlet to fuel distributor supply hard line - part# 16121118886

[Lugnutz77]

Make sure the 'nut' and 'slip ring' are still on the hard line under the tank access cover for this hose:
fuel line from fuel filter outlet to fuel distributor supply hard line - part# 16121118886

I'll check again tomorrow, but I think some PO screwed a threaded nipple onto that nut and used a hose clamp. So I'll post a photo of that tomorrow.
Meanwhile, here's a photo update. Tank is out and clean inside. When I drained the tank, all the gas came out super clean. A flashlight peek inside shows a clean tank too. Should I risk taking out the fuel sender? I'm asking because I used a simple 4psi electric fuel pump to empty the tank and it flowed well with no signs of any resistance to flow. Plus, when I shut the pump off, gas would still flow freely by simple siphon effect.

Tanks look great on the outside too. Funny how my car can be a total rust bucket but the tanks look great.

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[Lugnutz77]

More pics.
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[Lugnutz77]

Update:
I dropped the tanks and cleaned up a bunch of stuff. It really is putting lipstick on a pig. I know that, but this way I feel like I didn't cut corners.
Painted the outside of the tanks and installed new vent hoses. Filler hose and lower hose between tanks were in good shape.
Tanks were bolted back in place this morning. Just waiting on a few new parts to arrive.
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