On my 89 firebird, I am 99 % sure I have a bad fuel pump but would like to do a pressure test to be sure. Unfortantly I can't find a pressure gauge that will work with the TBI set up. I have one for TPI, but the 9-13 psi a TBI runs on would barely register on it, also it is a schrader valve type gage.

Anyways where is a good place to get the lower range gauge? I've checked Advanced and Sears. I am thinking of just buying an autometer dash gauge and hooking it up to do the test, but would rather buy the tool type gauge.

 

'857

TBI system as you may know does not have a a fuel pressure test port. There are couple of places were you can test fuel pressure without invoking the laws of other universe. One place is next to a Fuel Filter - by inserting a 3/8" by 3/8" by 1/8" T from Summit SUM-G1710 ($5.88) and Summit 0-30 PSI Fuel Pressure gauge SUM-800130 ($17.95) or non liquid filled VDO-153004 ($19.95) with some length of 3/8" SAE30R7 or better hose.

In my case (conversion) I moved Fuel pressure gauge into engine compartment and it is permanently mounted on the firewall next to power brake booster.

//RF

 

Does anyone make a schrader valve fitting (test port) that you can add to the fuel line? That would be great. However for my purposes the above will work I think, I don't remember off hand but isn't the fuel line on the 89 on the filter screw in metal line and not clamped rubber hose?

 

'857

You are correct regarding your filter configuration - filter uses female inverted flare coupling while rigid fuel lines use inverted male. According to WIX master application catalog your bird uses 33481 fuel filter.
It has been a while since I looked at filter particulars, but in your case I would just buy a new filter and find a good auto parts store that carries plenty of plumbing. You can always get a inverted flare adaptor to 3/8" hose beaded adaptor (both male and female). I simply do not recall flare size that this filter uses.

There are several TBI specific FP testers available, for example ATD-5634 and others ($75)

//RF

 

Autozone has TBI specific pressure gauges. You just unscrew the softline under the hood and connect a T-type shrader fitting that comes with it then screw the fuel pressure gauge hose to it. After done cap the t-type shrader fitting and its always there for quik testing .... Doing it at the fuel filter is rediculous LOL. ... Bought my gauge there for 23 bucks.

 

Do you happen to have the part number from the autozone gauge.

Thanks for the help here, I'm sure my car thinks I forgot about it since its been sitting for a couple of months, just haven't had the time to work on it. :-(
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I see summit has the tester though.

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

but the autozone sounds like its got a better price.

 

Nope but it looks just like the TPI counterpart but reads 0-to like 22psi has about a 2 foot hose and that special inline adapter.

That summit gauge has the inline shrader valve fitting I'm talking about. Like I said just thread it into your softline and hard line on the drivers side under the hood and when done testing just put a cap back on the shrader valve.

Might have a extra TBI gauge if your interested.

 

http://www.autozone.com/R,NONAPP1884.../addToList.htm

Found the one on autozone, I guess they went up in price, oh well it says the local one should have it so i'll check it out tommorow.

 

Yep thats the one I am talking about .... easy to use and idiot proof you wont regret buying it ... simple is a understatement on using it.

 

If your stock pump ever takes a dive put a TPI pump in. I have a TPI pump in my TBI car and it does just fine

 

I'm a little torn on swapping the pump since I am setting aside money to put in an LS1, and will have to swap it out again at that point, but I don't wan't to let the car sit in the meantime.

 

TPI pump will run TBI and I would think it could support a LSx engine as well.