Car ran very rich (barely passed CA smog at 15 mph (1261 rpm) with 58 ppm HC; smog guy suggested cleaning injectors. Also has hard start issue, harder when warm. Had 41 psi fuel pressure (ignition on, not running) though vacuum line smelled of fuel.

So I purchased a set of remanufactured injectors and FPR (Standard PR202) as well as a Racetronix fuel pump and wiring/ground kit. After I install the injectors and FPR, car seems to run leaner but now only have 35 psi fuel pressure (both priming and running). So I figure, fuel pump is bad (117K), replace fuel pump with new racetronix/walbro and then I only get 30 psi; replace wiring kit, small change to 33 psi. Removed fuel pump and everything is attached (added hose clamps to factory rubber lines just in case) and still only get low pressure (33 psi after several prime cycles.) If I remove the vacuum source, pressure will go to 40. Voltage at pump was 11.3v with factory harness and is 12.2 with racetronix harness; tested H20 temp sender with Tech 1A and is OK.

My thinking is maybe I got a bad FPR but why would I get 35 psi with the stock pump and 30 with the Walbro? Fuel filter is new but the car did sit for a few years, could it be plugged? What am I missing? Any ideas as I am stumped.

 

Fuel pressure is supposed to be 41 - 47 psi with the vacuum line removed; sounds like you're barely out of spec. Look here: http://shbox.com/1/4th_gen_tech2.htm...essure_testing

 

I put a different regulator on and it is fixed. That's what you get when you buy the cheap one.