what causes a fuel pressure regulator to go bad
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Some vehicles rely on an external fuel pressure regulator to provide the advisable fuel pressure to the engine. Similar any automotive role, the regulator tin eventually fail—and when it does, you'll likely run into ane or more noticeable symptoms.
What Does a Fuel Pressure Regulator Do?
A fuel pressure level regulator does what its proper name implies: It regulates the pressure of the fuel going to the fuel injectors.
On older vehicles with a continuous fuel system, the regulator is typically a vacuum-controlled device installed on the return side of the fuel rail. The regulator routes backlog fuel dorsum to the gas tank to maintain fuel pressure. A vacuum line connects the regulator to a source of engine vacuum, thereby allowing the regulator to vary fuel pressure level according to engine load.
A vacuum-operated fuel pressure regulator tin can fail in several different ways. In many cases, the diaphragm inside of the regulator ruptures, allowing fuel to be drawn through the vacuum line and into the engine's intake manifold. Such a scenario usually results in an engine that runs rich (too much fuel). A regulator that is stuck closed will also result in a rich running status.
In other instances, the regulator may non seat properly, resulting in an engine that runs lean (too little fuel).
It's of import to annotation that almost modern vehicles accept a returnless fuel system that does not include an external fuel pressure regulator. Instead, most returnless systems utilize a control module to manage fuel pump speed, thereby maintaining the desired fuel pressure. There are also some designs that utilize an in-tank pressure regulator that'south built into the fuel pump.
Signs of a Bad Fuel Force per unit area Regulator (External Vacuum-Operated Type)
Over time, a vacuum-operated pressure regulator can fail—and that unremarkably results in ane or more than noticeable symptoms. The about mutual symptoms of a bad fuel force per unit area regulator include:
Engine Performance Problems
A faulty fuel pressure level regulator tin crusade a loss of fuel pressure level. As a result, the engine may exhibit performance problems, such every bit hard-starting, crude running, stalling, and a lack of power.
Illuminated Check Engine Light
Your automobile'southward engine figurer looks for issues—including engine performance bug acquired by a faulty regulator—that could pb to an increase in emissions. Unremarkably, the device will recognize these issues, plow on the check engine light, and store a corresponding diagnostic trouble lawmaking (DTC) in its memory.
Black Smoke From the Tailpipe
A faulty fuel pressure level regulator tin can cause the engine to run rich. In extreme cases, this condition can crusade the vehicle to emit blackness smoke from its tailpipe.
Fuel In the Regulator's Vacuum Line
When a regulator suffers from a ruptured diaphragm, you'll likely discover fuel in the line connecting the device to engine vacuum.
Vehicle Cranks But Doesn't Starting time
A faulty regulator can prevent the engine from getting proper fuel pressure, resulting in a vehicle that cranks but doesn't showtime.
Where Is The Fuel Pressure level Regulator Located?
On older vehicles with multiport fuel injection and a continuous fuel system, the regulator is usually mounted in the fuel rail.
At that place are also some older applications that have throttle trunk injection (TBI) or central port injection (CPI). With TBI, the regulator is integrated into the fuel metering assembly inside of the throttle body. Vehicles with CPI have the regulator mounted to the injector assembly (sometimes called a spider unit).
Most newer vehicles accept a returnless fuel system and, therefore, do not have an external pressure level regulator. Instead, almost returnless systems use a control module to manage fuel pump speed, thereby maintaining the desired fuel pressure. There are also some designs that utilize an in-tank pressure regulator that'due south built into the fuel pump.
How Much Does a Fuel Pressure Regulator Cost?
If you choose to take a professional replace your car'south fuel pressure regulator, you can usually expect to pay somewhere between $250 and $400 to go the job done. Of course, the exact price will depend on various factors, such equally the yr, make, and model of your vehicle.
You tin salve money past replacing the regulator yourself if you have the tools and the know-how. CarParts.com has a wide diversity of replacement regulators available for various makes and models.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is non intended to replace consultation with a professional person mechanic.
Source: https://www.carparts.com/blog/the-top-5-symptoms-of-a-bad-fuel-pressure-regulator/
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