So my car died on the freeway. I didn't have power to anything, but my battery key switch had died. I removed it and connected the negative cable straight to the battery and had power again.

But now the car won't start. The fuel pump primes, and I can get the engine to fire and run briefly with starting fluid. When I prime the pump, and press down the schraeder valve, fuel spills out but does not spray like you'd expect from 45psi. The fuel filter is a couple years old and is a FRAM as far as I know, so that's my next idea for next week when I have time.

The ignition module is a new borg warner, the cap and rotor and plugs are all new. The wires are good, the battery is charged. It just seems like there is inadequate fuel. All fuses are good, too. No check engine light, no codes stored (just 12).

 

It might be the pressure regulator

 

That's another thing I was thinking. But it isn't leaking anywhere, and it is only a few years old. I wish I could get it open without pulling the plenum off. In the middle of midterms here, so I don't have much time to troubleshoot.

I may just look up some local shops and get quotes on a fuel pump replacement. I can only tow 7 miles for free, otherwise it'd be with Don right now (cost over $150 to tow from here to there when my rear end went out).

 

Unfortunately the diaphrams in the Pressure Regulators can go bad without leaking, or the interals can become worn.

 

I'll have to pull the cover off next weekend when I get some free time and have a look at it. That would be great if it was that simple. I wonder if there is a way to test it without removing the plenum and physically removing the top. It is adjustable.. too bad I don't have my pressure tester here at school.

 

Yeah that is what I was going to suggest was a way to tell the pressure in the fuel rail