Ericthewolf

I've been having problems intermittantly starting my car. It would need to turn over several times to start. I checked the pressure to see if it was leaky injectors. Is it possible for the injectors to leak that fast or is this a possible fuel pump check valve problem?? Is the pressure just backing up into the tank? When the key is turned on pressure goes up to forty then back to zero in a matter of 20 seconds. If you start it pressure stays around 35 or so. What should I check first.. Pressure regulator or fuel pump.

jfb

Sounds like leaky injectors. GM says they shouldn't lose more than 1 psi in an hour.

Ericthewolf

Car only has 33,000 on it and would the injectors leak that fast?? That is why I thought something else was suspect.

Ericthewolf

By fast I mean 20 seconds all the fuel pressure?

65Z01

If you also have hard starting when warm it's a sure sign of leaking injectors.

ittlfly

It sounds like a bad "check valve" in the fuel pump. They call it something else, but it is a check valve none the less. BTW, I'm in the process of getting chevy tool # j37287 which fits on the fuel lines between the disconnects at the fuel rail. It has gate valves that after you pressurize the fuel lines you can turn the gate valve(s) off to isolate the fuel rail from the fuel pump. That would tell you at once if the problem is behind the rail of after. You might check it out if your're interested.

Ericthewolf

the hard starting is not temperature sensitive. It's more If I don't start my car within three seconds of turning the key to the on position. Which seems to coincide with the fuel pressure drop. :confused:

65Z01

In that case I too would suspect the fuel pump check valve or the fuel pressure regulator diaphram.

Ericthewolf

I pulled the vaccum line of the pressure regulator thinking if it were leaking it would or could be wet it was not. So I am further pushed toward the check valve... or whatever it is called.

GlockLT4

sounds like something with the fuel pump to me ... injectors shouldn't ever leak THAT fast.

Aggravated4life

I had the same problem and it was a bad pump/check valve.A new pump fixed it.

One way to test it more at home,remove the gas lid door off the car.
Pinch the return line hose on the tank there and then go/have someone do the fuel pump test again with the gauge.Dont start the car,just turn the key to "ON" then OFF.

If the pressure holds a little longer or better,for sure its the pump.
USe caution when pinching the rubber return line,so that you dont puncture or damage it.Youll need to feel the hose down a few inches where its "soft" to pinch since it slips over a metal pipe thats about 2 inches long at the tank.Dont want to crush that!

:)

Corvette0096

Check valve in the fuel pump.. Mine did the same thing. It like a one way gate in your fuel pump. Once it goes bad you loss fuel pressure real fast.

85 Dave

Me too!!! I put in an Autozone lifetime warranteed fuel pump. And I get to replace it every year (but at least it's free).

SPD DMN

You can get the Buick GN pump from Autozone for $75 from what I have read. Should be an upgrade pump that fits right on.

John Row

Could be the fuel pressure regulator. If it's not closing when the pressure drops below it's preset the pressure would drop pretty quick.

I'd check it first. It's easy to get to and I think not too expensive.

Good Luck.


[Modified by John Row, 1:03 PM 7/19/2002]