Date: Sun, 4 Jul 2004 17:08:23 -0700
Reply-To: mark drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: mark drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject: Re: low fuel pressure and lean engine
In-Reply-To: <b3a1e7ad0407041550723df4fb@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed
Craig, did you measure the voltage across the + and - leads of the pump?
If you have at steady plus 12 volts there then either the pump is bad or
there is some blockage. I know it can be a bit messy but if you measure
the pressure between the pump and filter that will tell you if the
filter is blocked. Another thing to try is to get a small container
filled with gasoline. Then unhook the pump feed line from the fuel tank
and run it into the container so it will pump fuel from there. Then
check the pressure at the engine again . This will tell you if the fuel
tank has blockage causing the low pressure. If this is it, watch out as
the container will quickly empty as the regulator normally constantly
releases pressure into the return line and back to the vehicle fuel tank.
Mark
Craig Oda wrote:
>Mark,
>thanks for the information. Also, thanks to Boston Bob for his tip
>about setting the RPM to 2,000 during the tests.
>
>There is little pressure change when I close the fuel pressure
>regulator line. Also, I tried disconnecting the vacuum line that
>controls the fuel pressure regulator. No change. Finally, I swapped
>another fuel pressure regulator into the system and the problem still
>exists. Actually, pressure is now more like 15psi to 20psi, no longer
>25psi.
>
>I went to Kragen to buy a fuel filter. Even though I changed the
>filter about 1 year ago, it's cheap and I thought it would be worth
>the cost. Unfortunately, Kragen sold me one that doesn't look like it
>will fit. Maybe it is for before the fuel pumpt? It's a square
>plastic white one and my current fuel filter is like a fat beer can
>with no label, kind of a shiny aluminum look. The fat beer can filter
>goes inline after the fuel pump.
>
>I'm about to buy a fuel pump from volkscafe. They seem pretty
>friendly and knowledgable. Also, they're pretty close to my
>house/garage.
>
>I've done a basic leakdown test on my fuel system and it looks like
>it's holding pressure for about 10 minutes or so. I can't smell any
>gas leaks or see any gas dripping.
>
>I checked the grounds and voltage on the existing fuel pump. Seems to
>be rock steady at 12VDC while the engine is running. I was hoping
>that maybe the grounds were corroded and that the pump wasn't getting
>enough volts. Seems to be getting the volts, just not delivering
>enough pressure.
>
>So, I'm going to spend the bucks on a new pump and see how it goes.
>
>More cash going toward the van adventure. :-(
>
>Regards,
>Craig
>
>
>
>
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