Jump to content

Low Fuel Pressure


pitzel

Recommended Posts

I think I have a low fuel pressure issue. See it mostly during winter starting, especially in the cold. Engine cranks, occasional fire, but not enough fuel. Also when commanding lots of power to go up hills it doesn't appear to have enough fuel and sort of misfires.

 

I've replaced the fuel filter. And when I use the Shraeder valve on the fuel rail (3.1L V6) with the fuel pump running (start switch set to 'run'), there's only a minor trickle of fuel -- not a geyser as I would expect.

 

Is there a fuel pressure regulator something I could change? Its a good car but in the Canadian winters (-32C or worse) having it crank, but getting no fuel, is a giant pain.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

WHAT YEAR AND MODEL OF CAR???

 

What is the actual fuel pressure?

 

Use the fuel pump bypass connector to run the pump while testing pressure. When the ignition is turned to "run", the pump only runs for two seconds. If this is your '92 Cutlass, the connector will be in the same harness as the small wire on the auxillary power stud by the battery.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Can I use a tire pressure gauge to test the fuel pressure at the Schraeder valve on the fuel rail? Or do I have to buy a fancier tool?

 

What should the pressure be? When I go onto Rockauto, the regulators are quoted at 47/48 psi. Does that sound correct?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Can I use a tire pressure gauge to test the fuel pressure at the Schraeder valve on the fuel rail? Or do I have to buy a fancier tool?

 

What should the pressure be? When I go onto Rockauto, the regulators are quoted at 47/48 psi. Does that sound correct?

 

The short answer to the first part of your question: no.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

the longer answer is: do you like gasoline in your eyes?

 

trust me, it burns.... badly.

 

everybody who does anything beyond oil changes should have a fuel pressure guage laying around, just in case....

 

at WOT or otherwise no vacuum applied to the FPR, should see around 43.5PSI.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Are fuel pressure regulators known to fail?

 

pull the vacuum line off of the fpr and smell do you smell gas? can also give it the suck test.. Though I wouldn't gas doesn't taste very good either.

 

Cheers

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hook a vacuum pump up to the FPR to see if it holds vacuum. Only need to put 5lbs or so on it. No need for overkill or else it will go bad. The diaphrams inside them sometimes break and can no long work properly.

 

And on a side note, Ive released the pressure in the rail, at the valve, and its never been a blast of gas. Just kinda trickles out. But then again that was with it off so not a steady pressure on it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...