Fuel Pressure Help

[stangin47]

hello I'm trying to find out the problem with my fuel pressure. The pump is a few years old and I just installed a new adjustable regulator thinking that was the problem. After starting it I turned the regulator as far as it would go to increase pressure and on the gauge it is reading 30 psi with the vacuum disconnected and plugged. The picture below was after I drove it a few blocks Just would like others input could it be the pump? Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks

 

[mikestang63]

• fuel pump is going bad
• collapsed line/sock
• Tank is full of crud

 

[jrichker]

Check fuel pressure:
The local auto parts store may rent or loan a fuel pressure test gauge if you don't have one.
Disconnect the vacuum line from the fuel pressure regulator. Check it for evidence of fuel present in the line by removing it and blowing air through it. If you find fuel, the fuel pressure regulator has failed. Reinstall the line; leave the fuel pressure regulator end of the vacuum line disconnected. Then cap or plug the open end of the vacuum line and stow it out of the way.
Connect the fuel pressure test gauge to the Schrader port located just behind the alternator.
Turn the ignition switch on & start the engine. Observe the pressure: you should see 38-41 PSI at idle.
Turn the ignition off; reconnect the vacuum line to the fuel pressure regulator. Then disconnect the fuel pressure test gauge. Watch out for squirting gas when you do this.

Fuel pump pressure test
Disconnect the larger of the two fuel lines up by the Schrader valve. It is the return line and does not have the Schrader valve on it. Find a piece of rubber fuel hose and clamp it on the return line coming from the regulator. Stick a bolt in the other end of the hose and make sure that all your connections are tight and leak proof as possible. When this powers up, you don't want fuel squirting everywhere. Hook up the fuel pressure test gauge. Turn the ignition switch on and watch for leaks. You may want to use a helper inside the car to cut the switch off quickly if you have a leak. To trick the fuel pump into running, find the ECC test connector and jump the connector in the Upper RH corner to ground.

Caution!!! You have blocked the return line for the fuel pump! Pressure will rise very quickly past safe levels with a good pump
If the pressure goes up past 55 PSI, the pump is good and the fuel pressure regulator is bad. If the fuel pressure does not hit 55 PSI or more in a few seconds, the pump is bad or you have electrical problems.

 

[stangin47]

Since I have had 2 regulators on with the same result I'm guessing it's not that. I just ordered a 255lph so like your article says I'll check the voltage at the rear connections to eliminate a possible electrical problem two birds one stone type deal. May as well change the filter to lol thanks guys

 

[stangin47]

I got a chance to change pumps we are running good fuel pressure now thanks for the help!