TECHNICAL BULLETIN 16.

01 OIL ACCUMULATORS
Technical bulletins are provided for rule interpretations and clarifications and do not establish new series rules. These
bulletins provide additional details to existing rules to allow competitors and technical inspectors a more defined
interpretation of a rule to avoid confusion and promote uniformity in the manner by which a rule is enforced.

Overview

March 15, 2016

The 2016 Mid Atlantic Modified Series Rules (rules) indicate the following under ENGINES on page 4:
No dry sump systems allowed. Wet system in engine must be operative.
This is a rule commonly found in open wheel dirt modified racing with the intent of prohibiting
expensive dry sump systems typically used on dirt late models. However, oil accumulators are not
specifically addressed by the series rules.
An oil accumulator consists of a cylinder-shaped storage container that acts as a reservoir of pressurized
oil, to be released when there is a drop in the oil pressure. The accumulator is connected to the pressure
side of an engine's oiling system and is charged by the engines own oil pump. The design revolves
around a hydraulic piston separating an air pre-charge side and an oil reservoir side. On the oil side of
the accumulator, an outlet goes into the engine's oiling system, controlled by a valve. On the air side it
can be equipped with a pressure gauge and a Schrader air valve, which allows the addition of a precharge of air pressure to the accumulator. Oil accumulators deliver oil to the engine before starting to
eliminate dry start scuffing (pre-oiling) and discharges oil during low oil pressure surges to protect
against engine damage during demanding racing conditions.
Interpretation/Clarification
Oil accumulators may be used in conjunction with a wet sump system as their primary purpose is to
provide engine protection during pre-start and low oil pressure conditions to avoid engine damage. The
Mid Atlantic Modified tour does not view this application as a competitive advantage if utilized by tour
competitors in the manner specified herein.
The wet sump system in the engine must be fully operative in the pan, utilizing a single-stage oil pump
belt drive, with one line in and one line out of the pan. No multi-stage pumps, no reservoirs, or other
similar components will be permitted.
--- End of Technical Bulletin ---

2016 Mid Atlantic Modified Tour