Fuel Pressure Regulator
Many people have never heard of a fuel pressure regulator until something starts going wrong with the fuel aspect of their engine. The fuel pressure regulator is an integral part of the fuel system and if it is not functioning properly it could prove catastrophic for your vehicle as well as your pocket book. Luckily, most people who are a bit handy with cars will find that they can locate the fuel pressure regulator and replace it if necessary.
The fuel pressure regulator in your vehicle has a very important job. The fuel pressure regulator is in your vehicle to keep the pressure throughout your fuel system at a constant 28 psi. The pressure regulator is able to maintain the pressure in the system via a spring loaded diaphragm that works to control a valve. When there is excessive pressure in the fuel lines the valve opens and then will uncover a fuel line that will then return any excess fuel to your fuel tank.
You can usually locate the fuel pressure regulator in your vehicle with ease. If you are able to locate the fuel rail in your vehicle you can usually find the fuel pressure regulator. The fuel rail is the pipe that carries the fuel to all of the injectors in the vehicle as well as to the cold start valve. The fuel will come in one side of the engine and then is carried out of the other side. The pressure regulator is essentially the last thing that the fuel goes to on the way out of the engine compartment.
You will be able to find the fuel pressure regulator by following the fuel rail until you find a metal object that is cylindrical in shape. The fuel pressure regulator is also mounted to the firewall and has a vacuum connected to it, as well. Many people never have to find their fuel pressure regulator, but if you are interested or just wondering where it is, you'll find that it is pretty easy to locate. There is a vacuum connection on the fuel pressure regulator because it helps to reduce any and all emissions when the vehicle slows down. When the car begins to slow the vacuum connection will open the fuel return valve, which will help to reduce the pressure in the system and will also help to prevent emissions.
The fuel pressure regulator is a very important part of the fuel system and it helps to maximize the use of the fuel in your vehicle and also helps to keep the pressure in the fuel lines at optimal levels at all times. Luckily, there is not much that can go wrong with a fuel pressure regulator and this is due in large part to the fact that the piece is very simple, and so it usually lasts for the life of any vehicle.
Many people have tried to tune a fuel pressure regulator, but there really is not an opportunity to tune these pieces of equipment. In the past some of the regulators were tunable but this is generally not the case anymore. If a fuel pressure regulator does go bad, chances are there may be other issues with the fuel system that need to be addressed, as well. If you are worried that your fuel pressure regulator is not working as well as it could be, you should definitely see your auto mechanic as this is a very rare issue and what you may be experiencing is probably owed to other issues.
