The
Accusump, the original automotive oil accumulator, is designed to provide the
engine with oil pressure before the starter is even engaged. An Accusump is a
cylinder shaped aluminum storage container that acts as a reservoir of
pressurised oil, to be released when there is a drop in the oil pressure. The
Accusump is connected to the pressure side of an engine's oiling system and is
charged by the engines own oil pump.Its simple, efficient design revolves around
a hydraulic piston separating an air pre-charge side and the oil reservoir side.
On the oil side of the Accusump it has an outlet that goes into the
engine's oiling system, controlled by a valve. On the air side it's equipped
with a pressure gauge and a Schrader air pre-load valve.
How
does an Accusump work?
On
initial start-up when the valve on the oil side is opened the pressurized oil is
released into the engine and therefore pre-lubricating the engine prior to
start-up. The Accusump holds whatever oil pressure the engine has at the time
that it is shut off. After the engine is started and the oil pump has taken
over, oil is pumped back into the Accusump. This moves the piston back and
pressurises the Accusump until it equalises with engine's oil pressure.
While driving, if the engine's oil pressure is interrupted for any
reason, the Accusump releases its oil reserve again, keeping the engine
lubricated until the engine's oil pressure comes back to normal. This release of
oil could last from 15 to 60 seconds, depending on the size and speed of the
engine.
In racing or hard driving conditions, the Accusump will
automatically fill and discharge when needed as you corner, accelerate and
brake. |
