Fuel Accumulator - 16121118899

[emptynoid]

I have a 320i 1980 which I think needs a new Fuel Accumulator because I', losing all fuel pressure in about 3-5 minutes of the car turning off, warm/cold pressures are good, system pressure is good, injectors are new, hoses are good, I think the cold start valve is ok but I need to check it.

Prices seems to be from $165 on eBay to $192 on BMWpartsdeal and $225 on Pelican parts. Anyone know if the eBay parts are ok or know a better deal?

[DavidF]

I got my accumulator from AutohausAZ for $138. I checked and they have them in stock for $152 + shipping/tax

[320iAman]

You can test it to be sure, from FAQ's, FAQ's is the go to source in troubleshooting these cars, rebuilding plus lots of good info and mods.

Hard Warm/Hot Start

1 - Leaking fuel pump check valve -

2 - Leaking Pressure Regulator

3 - Leaking Accumulator - A leaking accumulator will cause hard warm starts, but if it's large enough it can bleed off enough pressure to keep the car from starting at all. To check for an accumulator leak, disconnect the small rubber line from the back of the accumulator and plug it with a golf tee or bolt and clamp it. Shove some fuel hose onto the nipple on the back of the accumulator and run it into a gas can. Jumper the fuel pump. Some fuel will spray out of the accumulator, this is normal as the rear chamber will have some fuel in it from the in-tank pump (the fuel line we disconnected). If the fuel flow does not stop then the diaphragm is leaking and it needs replaced.

4 - Leaking injectors or cold start injector

Randy

[emptynoid]

thank you for the information, I'll go for the Autohausa if I need one

I hadn't thought about the outer fuel pump check valve, well I assumed I would smell gas if it were that? is that correct? its also semi new as well,

The pressure regulator was keeping about 27 inHg with a vacuum pump

Fuel injectors are new so I assume there ok

I think its either the cold start injector or fuel accumulator both of which need to be checked

[320iAman]

The Check valve on the pump is sealed on both ends, unless the cap nut was loose or check valve is not screwed in tight enough it would not smell of gasoline-the spring valve starts leaking-most likely the spring gets weak and built up back pressure seeps thru is one possibility. The pressure regulator has two o-rings the sizes are in FAQ's and are available, o-ring store, mcmaster, ebay, ect. What you look for is the o-rings sealing face are flat, not round-wont seal properly and back pressure seeps gasoline thru. a process of elimination to find the solution.


Randy

[Bill5Star]

These cars are old. Replace the filter, inline pump, and accumulator all at once and be done with it.
Keeping these old things running ain't cheap. Ask me how I know.

[320iAman]

No, those are not cheap, yet newer car parts are much more expensive,,

Randy

[emptynoid]

the new one worked great, should have bought one a while ago

I'll check the valves and timing now