Re: [DML] Fuel Accumulators

[Mike Substelny <msubstel@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Can anyone describe the materials in the fuel accumulator and the functions they play?

There are plenty of polymers that can handle exposure to gasoline, metal, air, etc. and last for centuries with no degradation.  Does anyone believe the polyethylene fuel tank will wear out from sitting empty?  Or full of fresh gas?  Or full of old gas?  I don't think so, not in my lifetime.  Polyethylene is very stable.

But there are some polymers that don't hold up so well, as anyone who has cleaned out a fuel tank of an improperly stored DeLorean can attest.

The key question is this: What's in the accumulator?  Are there parts made of polyethylene?  Polypropylene?  Old pencil erasers?

I do not know the answer, but my personal belief is that the accumulator is well designed and well built.  Mine is 23 years old and it still works perfectly.  If my accumulator dies tomorrow I will attribute this to cyclic loading or friction of a mechanical part, perhaps the spring, rather than chemical degradation.  I am open to changing my mind if someone can explain which part of the accumulator experiences chemical degradation and why.

- Mike Substelny
VIN 01280, 10 years







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