OK, I've got a thread in the V6 section, but I think this covers that too.

Short story - 89 2.8L V6 MAF running rough, erratic loopy idle, seems to struggle under acceleration randomly, other times its great.

This morning I go to start my car and it turns over but immediately quit. I try a few more times with the same result.

I turn down the radio (LOL), and listen to the fuel pump prime - its got to be the sickest most terribly poor sounding groaning I've ever heard. I do it a few more times just to make sure thats really the fuel pump, and mid-prime it kicks back on full strength! Like it never even made that terrible noise. It sounds strong and powerful now. Car started right up!

So I think I need to check my fuel pressure from time to time, and especially when its running rough.

While I've done everything else to my car (tranny change, plugs, cap, coil, timing chain, water pump, alternator, belt, idler, MAF, designed and built custom "****-warm air intake", radiator x 3, tranny mount, brakes, lines, fluid changes, etc). I've never EVER done anything with the fuel. I'm paranoid. I have visions of gas uncontrollably leaking 13 gallons on the ground and spontaneously igniting. I'm weird I know.

Call me what you will but I've never so much as done the fuel filter in the past 4 years since I had the car. I know perfectly well this might be exactly what the problem is.

OK so I'm looking for a step-by-step on how to check fuel pressure with a gauge. Pretend I'm a moron and don't know anything, since I'm so paranoid thats what I'll be reduced to anyways LOL.


I've read repeatedly that this is how our fuel pumps die.

 

1. Attach gauge.
2. Observe gauge.
3. Disconnect vacuum line from pressure regulator to simulate WOT operation.
4. Observe gauge.

Not alot to it...

 

Thats my problem - Where to attach?

Again - where is this pressure regulator? Is that the round deal on the underside of the fuel rail?

 

The test fitting.... looks alot like a tire fill valve. Should be sticking off the fuel rails somewhere.

Yes the regulator is usually round, is mounted on a fuel rail, has a fuel line attached to it, and has a vacuum line (smaller tubing) as well.