My car is an 88 iroc 350 TPI. I've just tested my fuel pressure at the schraeder valve on the fuel rail. I got 42psi after priming and 36psi at idle with the vacuum line connected and 40-42psi when I revved the engine are these figures ok?
What concerned me was I checked the priming several times by turning the key off and releasing the pressure and turning the key back on. On one check the pump didnt start and obviously the pressure didnt rise I waited a minute or so and nothing happened so I started the engine and the pressure came up. On two other tests the pressure (still testing priming) rose to 42psi then there was a click and pressure dropped back to about 2or3psi. I think this could be a problem with the fuel pump relay rather than the regulator because of the click I heard and on other occassions the pressure held steady at 42 for a few minutes until I turned off the key and released the pressure.
Is my line of thinking correct and could this be the cause of inconsistent performance?

 

The numbers sound normal for a stock regulator.

The ECM only closes the pump relay at key "ON" if it has been off for a minute or so...can't remember the exact time. When the ECM does close the relay, it only does it for 2 seconds and if the engine isn't running (no distributor reference pulses) the ECM opens the relay.

If you rapidly cycle the key on and off, the relay won't close. Go to off, stay there a minute, then back to on and the relay will close for 2 seconds.

Sounds like you're fine.

 

Like KevinC said, those numbers are bang on. As long as you are not having any major starting problems, no need to worry at all.