So there is no low oil pressure switch/solenoid that opens a valve?It's just the higher pressure that pushes it out of the accumulator?

It has compressed air and a spring I believe. OIL psi over rides the spring and fills the acumulator and when oil preasure gets low enough the cylinder in the accumulator pushes oil into the system. not sure if there is a spring or just air...

I could be wrong but that was how I thought it worked.

So how do you refill it when it empties?

Basically, you fill your crankcase like normal, then add oil to the accumulator per manufacturers spec. Usually 2-3 quarts. Install cap and air it up with shop air to the pressure your engine runs at idle hot. From there it's automatic. It'll dump if the pressure falls below that point & refill when it's higher.....most have a solenoid and switch so you can turn it off or use it to prime the engine on cold start.

Okay,I think I got it.Thanks for all the help guys.I really do appreciate it.

Okay,I had another thought.If the accumulator dumps,say three quarts,will it suck it back into itself?Three extra quarts in the pan could get a little rough.

And Charles,thanks for the info on the pan.I didn't know you could get one that cheap.That's probably the route I'll go.Like I said,I haven't had any problems,just want to prevent any.

Yes, kinda. Basically the oil pump will push oil back into the accumulator until the set pressure is reached.

In order to use it to prelube the motor for start up you must have a shut off valve. If you have the manual valve you have to close it while the engine is running oir the oil will drain back into engine...that's why the electric valve is prefered, you can wire it in with your ign if you want and it will be all automatic....


http://www.accusump.com/accusump.pdf/instructions.pdf

When you cut your motor off and pressure drops to zero it will empty.Right?So now you got 3 extra quarts of oil in the pan!!!Is that safe?Sounds like alot of extra oil in the pan to me :?

Tod,thanks for the link.That helped alot

Some accumulators have a manual valve on the outlet and some have a solenoid valve. If the valve is open when you shut the engine off, then yes it'll dump into the pan. However, when you restart the engine, the accumulator will refill with that 3 quarts. The extra oil in the pan, without the engine running, shouldn't matter.
A buddy of mine has one with a solenoid valve. He just turns it off before engine shutdown so he can use it to prime on next cold start.