It seems like this month is my1989 350 TPI, EBL-Flashed IROC's turn to be on this forum. Last week was because of a blown fusible link that I replaced and worked fine.

Now...
Possibly a bad fuel pressure regulator. Yesterday I got home from work fine till I came back 2 hours later.. The engine cranked over and then locked up after 3 or 4 turns. By this time there was a strong fuel smell. This morning the engine cranked over again and then stopped again. After reading here (Thank you thirdgen.org community!) I now suspect that the fuel pressure regulator diaphragm has ruptured and fuel is getting up into the plenum via the vacuum line, down the runners, and into the cylinders. Causing a "hydro-lock" symptom.

Till next time.

 

Pull dipstick and check for fuel, also check the fuel psi regulator vac line for fuel. should be a simple fix. Good luck!

 

 

Thanks!
TTOP350 - "Pull dipstick and check for fuel, also check the fuel psi regulator vac line for fuel. should be a simple fix. Good luck!"

I did check the oil level and the smell of the oil on it this morning. Doesn't really smell like fuel. I think I will need another oil change. UGH I just did the oil change 2 weeks ago too.. It's about a half inch over the line but I don't know if it's because the oil settled afterwards or if fuel brought it up.

Orr89RocZ - "Yup easy to check. It will be very obvious or injectors stuck open"

I hope it's the regulator diaphragm!! I can afford a $75 regulator diaphragm instead of $280 set of injectors at the moment. With 180,000 miles it's senseless to change just one injector and with my 406 (or 434) build I am planning, I want to buy a set of 24lb injectors when I get the extra cash.

 

 

I plan on keeping my 2.77 BW gear so It's diesel-like torque that I want, not HP. Good vacuum and idle quality for everyday driving.
If I can keep a good rod length to crank stroke ratio I would like to see the 406 or 434 (debating) last me 180,000 miles like my 350 has. For my 406, I have the 5.7 rods and correct pistons for a 9.5 to 1 compression ratio. Heads will be AFR 195 or 210 with steam holes and intake will be FIRST performance TPI. The only two reasons I am looking at the 434 is because you can get them fully assembled and warranted around $3500. Also, I want roller cam and lifters without the retro-fit kit. I am skeptical about them based on the amount of people who's had problems with the T-bar links. Reliability is either good or bad with them and I already know nothing is like the stock style when it comes to reliability. Then there's the rocket block that would provide me an even better rod length to crank stroke ratio but the cost goes up with other components like the pan and timing cover set.

I have the 406 components already and may end up using it just because I don't have the extra funds just yet. Who knows what the future brings.

 

 

Thanks for the heads up! I already have the 5.7" Scat rods and Keith Black pistons so 1.52 ratio is my only option now. I hope I will be content with a 3.75" stroke and hydraulic flat tappet. I see that the 30 pounders from southbay isn't that much more so with the EBL I should be ok

 

 

Anyone interested in them? LOL

Hopefully this weekend I will have some answers to my hydro-lock issue. God please let it be the regulator diaphragm.

 

Definitely the fuel pressure regulator. I don't know how there wasn't a fire wow. Took off the vacuum line and directed it to a bottle. Key on and the flow of fuel in the bottle was nuts.

 

 

 

 

Definitely easy. 30 minutes tops. Problem now is that there may be fuel sitting on closed valves. I disconnected the coil wire and cranked it and other cylinders hydro locked. Once it cranks freely I will see if it starts up and then will change the oil.

 

Pull the plugs, and crank it over.

 

All set now

I have been driving the car for two days. Runs much better. That regulator diaphragm must have been leaking fuel for quite a while because I had to hold that throttle a bit in order to start it after a period of time sitting. Now I can start it with no throttle assist. So, I did a new VE LEARN last night and what a difference. New found torque everywhere.especially when I am on the highway.

Thinking about the RAM AIR duct system now but that's on another thread.

Thanks Thirdgen.org community.