Prior accumulator

Started by no1kicker, October 30, 2003, 12:16:47 AM

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no1kicker

Lots of topics on the PM3, but I couldn't find anybody who has put in the prior accumulator in their car.  So has anyone?  This is the one with the nut on the back, so any tips would be welcomed.


former owner of a 1990 Grand Prix STE Turbo

R Dubya

I installed a Prior acc. back in the late spring when I splurged and did some updates and mods to my TGP.  With the factory accumulator, I was lucky to get 2 pedal presses and then the pump would run.  Now I steadily get three presses to each pump cycle, but the anti-lock light still flashes from time to time.  The Prior is a bit bigger than the factory one, and there wasn't the nut on the end, so tightening it was difficult.  I was disappointed because of the antilock light, but I should have just expected it to not work.
Ryan Warren
'89 TGP
It doesn't run anymore.

RareGMFan

So are you saying you're not a firm believer in their quality, of that you should have just had the entire thing rebuilt?
1990 Pontiac Grand Prix SE McLaren Turbo (1 of 2725), 1989 Pontiac 6000 STE AWD (1 of 1376)
1990 Pontiac Grand Prix STE McLaren Turbo (1 of 1000), 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP Special Edition



no1kicker

Did it help the braking?  And how hard was it to install?


former owner of a 1990 Grand Prix STE Turbo

R Dubya

I went from 1 pedal press to 3 pedal presses per cycle just when I swapped the toasted GM acc. for the Prior one.  So I am pleased with it as far as I have come to this point, and I will not complain that it's less than 1/3 of the price GM wants for the replacement.  I know very little about the PM system, so I am learning as I go, but my next step is to get a rebuilt pump so I can avoid any further headaches, because I need to have the car in fully functional condition before I can justify any other modifications besides the Top Gun chip,  which was the best investement I've made on my car.

As far as installation went, it wasn't all that bad, but the Prior Acc. is much larger than the factory one, so I disconnected the fuel lines to get more play and eventually it slipped right in there, although it was a fight to get it in.  Be warned you may have to disconnect the throttle body to get it in with out breaking the throttle cable or vacuum lines.  Make sure you get it in there good, because there isn't a nut on the top of the Prior acc., which makes it harder to get it on correctly.  Then again, I might have done it in a way that other people may not, so if anyone else has any tips..
Ryan Warren
'89 TGP
It doesn't run anymore.

mfewtrail

Ryan, about how long did it take you to install the accumulator? Just curious as my dads TGP is in need of one..pump cycles on almost every brake press and get the blinking anti-lock brake idiot light on the cluster...
'93 SE, '90 Black/tan TGP, & '90 Red/tan TGP

R Dubya

If you do it right under a half hour.  I think Chris A.'s site is the one with directions if I'm not mistaken.  You need a universal socket to remove the factory one and then hand tighten the hell out of the Prior one.

Try here look under brakes on the left side and look for replacing accumulator.. that's everything you need, thanks to Chris A.

http://aldridgec.home.att.net/
Ryan Warren
'89 TGP
It doesn't run anymore.

mfewtrail

#7
Quote from: RyanIf you do it right under a half hour.  I think Chris A.'s site is the one with directions if I'm not mistaken.  You need a universal socket to remove the factory one and then hand tighten the hell out of the Prior one.

Try here look under brakes on the left side and look for replacing accumulator.. that's everything you need, thanks to Chris A.

http://aldridgec.home.att.net/

Thanks for the info.  I have the GM service manual for the 90 GP's along w/ the TGP supplemental manual 8) ..I was just asking to see how long it takes everyone.. :wink:
'93 SE, '90 Black/tan TGP, & '90 Red/tan TGP

no1kicker

I emailed prior and they said to use an oil filter wrench to tighten.


former owner of a 1990 Grand Prix STE Turbo

R Dubya

Yeah, but it's hard enough to get a hand on it as it is, let alone a wrench.  Let us know if it works.
Ryan Warren
'89 TGP
It doesn't run anymore.

skalor

How much are the prior accumulators? Or do they only come with the rebuilt powercrapper??
'90 Lumina <-- Turbo 3.1 - SOLD :P
'89 TGP <-- getrag 284 equipped - SOLD :(
'89 Olds Cutlass Ciera International coupe

R Dubya

You can get one for $89 or $99.. I can't remember exactly but right around there.
Ryan Warren
'89 TGP
It doesn't run anymore.

95GTP

Best price I found was GM parts direct for $241 shipped.  I dont know about the Prior one.  The GM is a direct fit and needs no special tools.  When I get mine I'll let you know how many brake applications I get till the pump comes on.  Should be about 4-5 though not this 2-3 crap.

I'm still going to check into getting the old one serviced, if it can be done it will save us all  $$$$$ thousands.  Ya just need to get it to your local aircraft mechanic. :shock:

no1kicker

That would be interesting to see if it can be refilled.  Wonder how much it would cost.


former owner of a 1990 Grand Prix STE Turbo

95GTP

Hey sorry about not posting sooner but I have been testing out the car since its running and drivable.

I have been getting 5 easy brake applications and 4 hard ones. This PMIII system takes some getting used to thats for sure.

I cant say much about the Prior bottle but I paid $240 shipped for the GM bottle.

I call them bottles because I'm in the Navy in aviation and they are known as nitrogen bottles.  I have not had the chance to look into getting these recharged but maybe next week.