FPR tested and failed, now what?

[Rafter S Tom]

So I read the tech tips on a suspect fuel pressure regulator (great pix BTW), turned the key to on my '97 Seville STS, and pulled the vaccuum on the FPR. Got a very small amount of fuel (enough to wet the nipple). So I put the hose back on, started the car, and pulled the hose off again. No apparent fuel leak, and what seemed like plenty of vaccuum power.

I have all the signs of a bad FPR, starts great when cold, long starts when hot, some hesitation until it reaches idle, but gas mileage remains where it has always been (around 20 MPG, mostly city, some freeway).

Is the FPR bad, or do you think there is some other problem? Haven't changed the fuel filter in 40K miles (BTW, where can I get a mounting bracket for the filter, mine is busted), so maybe I should do both the filter and the FPR? Don't like throwing $$$$ at the car, there isn't that much to go around!

Thanks for any assistance!

[N*Caddy]

Got a very small amount of fuel (enough to wet the nipple).

If you got some fuel on the nipple then that's your problem: BAD FPR

[submariner409]

Yep, N*Caddy is correct: The vacuum side of the FPR is used to operate a diaphragm/spring arrangement which controls the volume of fuel return to the tank, thereby changing fuel pressure at the injectors. Any fuel on the vacuum side of the diaphragm is a leak, and the FPR is bad.

15 minute change, www.rockauto.com. Hairpin clip and 2 O-rings - lube the lower O-ring with a drop of oil off the dipstick so it slips into place easily.

Your fuel mileage should now go to 20 - 22 city/freeway, 24.5 - 26 highway.

If you're using brand name gas, don't sweat the fuel filter until 100,000 miles +.

[Ranger]

Be sure to depressurize the fuel system BEFORE you remove the FPR.

Would you like me to change the title for you?

[Rafter S Tom]

Thanks N*, Sub and Ranger. I thought I would see more of a steady trickle or drips of fuel when pulling the hose off the FPR. I already have the AC/Delco part ordered from Rock Auto (20% cheaper than Napa). Replacement looks pretty straightforward AFTER I depressurize the line.

Does any online store sell the fuel filter bracket? Mine's broken, and I have the filter kinda wired up to the frame right now. Or is U-Pull my only bet?

Yes, Ranger, you can change the title on this thread!

Thanks again!

[submariner409]

Dollars to doughnuts you're in the tall grass and hand tool business for the filter bracket...............


Meh..............try a call to Luke in parts at Lindsay Cadillac over there>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>