Accumulator Tank Help

[Steve Carpman]

The accumulator tank on our 1991 Legand 37.5 is not functioning. Probably (hopefully) all it needs is an air charge. The tank was manufactured by Firestone Steel Products, No. NSDA-VS-01, with 130# maximum pressure. I do not have the instructions for use of this tank, although I am sure it is pretty simple. Our water pump is a Flow Jet 4405-143, with a PSI ranage of 35# off and 20# on.My questions are 1. To what level (air pressure) should I fill the accumulator tank? My concern is if I put more than 35# of air in the tank, will that prevent the water pump from cycling on?2. I looked at the accumulator tank last week end, and it looks more complex than the pressure tank on the water system in my home. Is there anything in particular I need to watch out for when filling this tank or is it just fill until desired air pressure is attained?Thanks for the help.

 

[Miles]

Easy does it...

I'm not sure about that accumulator tank but on my Jabsco accumulator it says 10 psi max. The fitting is a standard tire valve.Maybe you could give it a few pumps with a bike pump? I'd be worried about blowing out the internal air bladder with 35 psi...

 

[Jim Rushing]

High Pressure is not good

This is one case where higher pressure is not the way to go. Turn your water pump off and open the water line to bleed off any water pressure. Measure your accumulator air pressure at this time. It should be zero. If not, then you will break the bladder eventually. Pressurize your water lines and measure the accumulator pressure. It should just be greater than 35 lbs and measure it when the pump kicks on. This reading should be the 20 lbs. What you are doing is increasing the volume of water in your system between 20 and 35 lbs pressure.