What size Accumulator? '07 Bambi 19'

[Phantom]

We just got a new '07 Bambi 19' and I bought a by-pass kit and Shurflo Accumulator from the dealership. The Accululator said '24 oz.'... seemed kinda small for $47 !... but I bought it anyway. Got home and opened it and read the instructions, etc. It says it only holds 2 to 4 oz. of water! Will this really help much? I assume the pump will come back on after only 2-4 ozs. run out of a faucet? Should I use it or return it and find something bigger? Also, looks like it'll be a fair hassle to get the by-pass valve moutned in front of the pump as space is quite tight. Any advice would be appreciated.
Pete

[thecatsandi]

Just what is a bypass kit? what is it's function? filling the water tank?
I have an shurflo accumlator and mine is too small as well. It will do a 4-8 glass with out coming on but useless for anything else. get a bigger one.

[Phantom]

Hi Michelle... The by-pass kit is for efficient winterization of lines. It's a 'T' valve that will suck antifreeze into the pump without getting it in the fresh water tank. Thanks for the info on your accumulator.

Pete

[Tim A.]

Pete,

I do not know how well the accumulator will work, but we use a Flojet Sensor VSD pump which makes an accumulator unnecessary. It fits quite easily in the space available in our Bambi and, although not as silent as the advertising might suggest, is certainly much quieter than the original pump and runs without any "hammering" effect.

[Phantom]

Hi Tim...

How does this type of 'sensor' pump make an accumulator unnecessary? Doesn't the pump still come on whenever a faucet is opened?

Pete

[Tim A.]

Originally Posted by Phantom

How does this type of 'sensor' pump make an accumulator unnecessary? Doesn't the pump still come on whenever a faucet is opened?

Pete,

This type of pump is variable speed with the speed based on demand. The resultant soft startup (and shutdown) does approximately the same thing as an accumulator does. Both Flojet and Shurflo make this type. We had some bad luck with the Shurflo version, but that was probably not typical.

[heitkergm]

Hi Pete,

I have a 2006 Bambi. The pump noise was unbearable.

Since I rarely need to use the pump, I didn't want to spend the $$$ on a new pump.

Instead, I put in one of the winterizing valves (which is what I think you mean by "bypass" above), and also added the long "silencing" hoses. Total was about $35.

In order for everything to fit, I moved the pump around in the compartment until I got the hoses folded right and everything fit. I did NOT tighten down the pump screws too tight to the floor (like the factory), so the rubber mounting plate actually can help silence the pump.

Is it perfectly quiet? NO.

Is it MUCH better and tolerable? YES.

Was this enhancement worth it? ABSOLUTELY!

Matt

[thecatsandi]

Oh. I have one of those. I called it a winterzation kit....

[thecatsandi]

even with the fancy shur-flow I get hammering noise. THe accumlator silenced most of it.

[Phantom]

Thank you all so much for your input! Yes, it's a winterization kit! (my mistake in naming). I talked to the service manager at the dealership. He said everyone is happy with the Shurflo accumulator and reports that it 'does what it's supposed to'. He suggested I install it and give it a try. He said I could remove and return it if I didn't like it. Guess I'll give it a try with the factory pump - for now. I may relocate the pump slightly... to make room for the 'winterization kit', add the longer in & out hoses to reduce noise. See how that goes. Only issue now is figuring out the right bunch of fittings, clamps, hoses needed, etc. The only other accumulator I found was a Shurflo 2 gallom stainless steel unit for about $117 and 12x9". I think it might just barely fit under the seat if I want to go that route in the future.
Thanks again!
Pete

[5cats]

Pete,
Try this thread: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f443...tor-32191.html

Starting around post 12 there's a discussion of the Jabsco Model 30573-0000 accumulator tank (linky), plus pictures of my install of that model. It's a 1-liter tank and works wonderfully, and supplies a surprising amount of water before the pump activates. I picked up mine at a local West Marine for $47+tax.

There are additional tips on quieting the pump noise in that thread as well.

Cheers,
-jd.