An accumulator is simply a pressure equalizer. You can have 15 lbs of oil pressure and the cylinder is full. The solenoid keeps the accumulator from dumping it's load in the pan when you shut off the motor and it helps build oil pressure faster than with an open manual valve. Keep in mind that you only put 6 lbs of air pressure on the back side of the accumulator piston. That's why it takes 5 seconds for the cylinder to empty with the engine off. For convenience, I like the solenoid.
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Todd
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