When to replace flexible hoses to accumulator?

[bfloyd]

Got my first $1000 box of parts from Texas right before Christmas and slowly getting around to start the process of replacing the fuel system components. We've already drained and cleaned the fuel tank, removed the old fuel pump and the old flexible white braided lines that connect to the hard lines in the front near the fuel pump.

I've got #3294 in the garage up on ramps and jack stands and last night I crawled under for the first time to try to locate the mysterious fuel accumulator. I'll have to say the folks in Ireland were very creative in finding the most un-accessible location to place the fuel accumulator. When I first saw it, I immediately thought - "That really can't be it... tucked up in a hole that your fist won't even go through?" Determined that was indeed it, I noticed that the flexible braided fuel lines connected to the accumulator look almost covered in a black moldy looking substance, and appear to be "shedding". It looks as if this procedure has been done on this car before since the accumulator body is one of the smaller ones I've read about here on the forums.

I'll be attempting to tackle this swap out over the weekend and before I get to deep, should I replace those funky looking flexible hoses while I'm there?

[hmcelraft]

You're kidding? Right? Given the accumulator's location I wouldn't consider taking a chance of having to return soon for another repair. Also if a fuel line looks funky - I'd replace it just out of safety concerns.

[jwrayth]

Judging by your description of the hose it sounds like it's already degraded and eaten the outer rubber so you should replace it now.

How do I know? It was the first thing I had to do on my car after collecting it.

[Delorean Industries]

This is not something you should skip doing. While it is just the outer protective layers coming off the inner plastic becomes hard and brittle with age/exposure to fuel. Depending on the type of line used this should be serviced every 3-10 years.

[bfloyd]

I can assume that replacing those hoses will be more difficult than replacing the fuel accumulator itself? I can't even begin to figure out how to get up in there to change them out.

[Delorean Industries]

absolutely. They are a bare to deal with. Well worth the effort for safety reasons.

[bfloyd]

Looks like those hoses and connectors were included with my Fuel Accumulator Kit from DMCH. Any tips or tricks I should know before hand?

[jmpdmc]

bfloyd,

This link may help you out: http://jason.kitcarmagazine.com/delorean/fuelaccum.htm



Jeff

[David T]

bfloyd,

This link may help you out: http://jason.kitcarmagazine.com/delorean/fuelaccum.htm



Jeff

Take great care with the hard lines. Use back-up wrenches and do NOT twist, kink, or otherwise damage them. To replace them requires lifting the body.

[bfloyd]

Thanks for the help guys. I've now got the accumulator off the car, the old flexible braided hoses cut off, and I'm ready to mount the new parts. Looking through my "Fuel Accumulator Kit" from DMCH, it came with two different style of hose clamps. I received two "worm gear" style clamps - with slotted bands (like the kind you'd find on a radiator hose), and two solid band clamps. Which clamps to use in which location?

I've read the included instructions with the kit, but they really don't mention two different style clamps. I've got the two brass barbed fittings coming down from the top, and the two flexible connections on the accumulator itself. Anybody got a clue?

[kings1527]

Thanks for the help guys. I've now got the accumulator off the car, the old flexible braided hoses cut off, and I'm ready to mount the new parts. Looking through my "Fuel Accumulator Kit" from DMCH, it came with two different style of hose clamps. I received two "worm gear" style clamps - with slotted bands (like the kind you'd find on a radiator hose), and two solid band clamps. Which clamps to use in which location?

I've read the included instructions with the kit, but they really don't mention two different style clamps. I've got the two brass barbed fittings coming down from the top, and the two flexible connections on the accumulator itself. Anybody got a clue?

Provided you have the OEM sized/numbered fuel accumulator: use the two solid-band clamps on the actual fuel line that is coming into the accumulator. The smaller barb, the single one on the one side of the accumulator, can use the slotted clamp.

[krs09]

Got my first $1000 box of parts from Texas right before Christmas and slowly getting around to start the process of replacing the fuel system components. We've already drained and cleaned the fuel tank, removed the old fuel pump and the old flexible white braided lines that connect to the hard lines in the front near the fuel pump.

I've got #3294 in the garage up on ramps and jack stands and last night I crawled under for the first time to try to locate the mysterious fuel accumulator. I'll have to say the folks in Ireland were very creative in finding the most un-accessible location to place the fuel accumulator. When I first saw it, I immediately thought - "That really can't be it... tucked up in a hole that your fist won't even go through?" Determined that was indeed it, I noticed that the flexible braided fuel lines connected to the accumulator look almost covered in a black moldy looking substance, and appear to be "shedding". It looks as if this procedure has been done on this car before since the accumulator body is one of the smaller ones I've read about here on the forums.

I'll be attempting to tackle this swap out over the weekend and before I get to deep, should I replace those funky looking flexible hoses while I'm there?

That job is a PITA. I had the same issue. My d would not start after warming it up and found it was the accumlator. My hose looks the same way, black fuzz hanging off and a white cloth underneath. After taking it off I found the white hose was completely collapsed internally. When I squeezed the hose after removing it orange dust came out... wow. One of those jobs thats horrible but makes a massive difference. I can go places in the car now and its just a little safer too... Top tip - get a little light with a magnet on it (mine was like 6 bucks) and stick it in the hole to light everything up, made the job do-able. O and tighten all the hoses to the accumlator outside of the car, you can get a lot more torque on it to stop any leaks.