Vanagon EuroVan
Previous messageNext messagePrevious in topicNext in topicPrevious by same authorNext by same authorPrevious page (February 2000, week 4)Back to main VANAGON pageJoin or leave VANAGON (or change settings)ReplyPost a new messageSearchProportional fontNon-proportional font
Date:         Sat, 26 Feb 2000 14:09:35 -0500
Reply-To:     Carl Krucke <ckrucke@AWOD.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Carl Krucke <ckrucke@AWOD.COM>
Subject:      Fuel pressure regulator (was filthy stinking rich)
Comments: To: Dagbear@AOL.COM
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;

Rico, I just replaced my regulator, but it had the opposite problem of yours. It was stopped up tight. I didn't realize what was causing my super-rich running problem (1/2 tank of fuel in the final 43 miles, after which it wouldn't even run.) until I put a gauge on it and realized I was running 90-plus psi fuel pressure! Yikes! Glad I had replaced the fuel lines recently... It's supposed to be more like 30 or so. Anyway, fresh regulator fixed me right up.

Being the curious sort, I used a hacksaw and cut the old one open. (Don't try this unless you first let it dry out more than I did...) Mine was full of scale and rust, but I could see it's function and can confirm for you that it is NOT supposed to let fuel through, in either direction, when the motor isn't running. If you're siphoning fuel through it via the return line, it's definitely not working properly.

Like Ken said, it holds the pressure in the system for a long time after you stop, but also stays shut when you first start, allowing the pressure to build more quickly. This aspect of it also cured a hard starting problem I'd had for 3 years, that I had assumed was just low compression. The motor used to turn over about 4 times before starting, now it starts instantly.

BTW, my "test gauge rig" was two used hose clamps, a piece of leftover fuel line, a $1.28 hose barb and a $4 water pressure gauge from Lowes. Wish I'da made it up a long time ago....

Carl 82 Vangon L, 83 GTI, 86 Scirocco + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + ++ Date: Fri, 25 Feb 2000 19:50:16 EST From: kenneth d lewis <kdlewis@JUNO.COM> Subject: Re: Fuel pressure regulator

Rico; I can not speculate from those symptoms. Your best bet is to put a gauge on it. I permanently connected a gauge using parts I had laying around the garage. I left the gauge in the engine compartment. My system holds pressure for more than an hour after being turned off.

Drive Safely & Good Luck Ken Lewis <Kernersville,NC> 86 VW crewcab;60 356B Coupe

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + ++ Date: Fri, 25 Feb 2000 17:22:18 EST From: Rico Dagastino <Dagbear@AOL.COM> Subject: Fuel pressure regulator

I disconnected from the fuel filter (the large metal filter between the pump and the injectors) the hose which connects the filter to the fuel pump in order to test the fuel delivery rate of the fuel pump. I found that rate to be quite adequate. While conducting this test I was forced to plug the open end of the hose coming from the injectors because fuel was siphoning through the system. My question: Would a properly functioning fuel pressure regulator allow the reverse flow of fuel through the system at a rate to sufficient to cause this siphoning action? If not, can this be construed as a sign of a defective fuel pressure regulator? I know this reversed flow was not caused by accumulated pressure in the tank because I removed the gas cap so as to allow any pressure to vent. Would it now be appropriate to test the operation of the regulator by applying a test gauge to the line? I am searching for the cause of an intermittent dying condition not caused by electrical malfunction. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Rico Dagastino Munford, TN 84 GL "Thing 1" 87 GL "Thing 2"


[text/html]


Back to: Top of message | Previous page | Main VANAGON page

Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!


Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com


The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.

Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.