Correct me if I'm wrong, but if I hook a fuel pressure gauge to my fuel rail and start my car and get a base pressure, once I turn the car off should I lose pressure on it, I realize that I will lose a couple PSI but within a couple of hours it has fallen to 20PSI from 40PSI. Is this normal, I was under the understanding that the system should hold pressure. If it is supposed to hold pressure would that mean I have a leaky injector?

 

My bet is that it would be the check ball in the fuel pump. Those tend to be the problem of power off fuel pressure drops.

 

Well if it is that, is it a bad thing? Is it something that I should worry about. While the car is running and when I rev it up, the pressure stays right around the 40PSI mark, so I'm not really worried while I'm driving. I'm just wondering if i'm getting a build up from a leaky injector.

 

What you are seeing is normal.

Rich Krause

 

It's good to hear that it is normal.

It usually starts right up without any problems, so I'm guessing it's not fuel pump. Thanks for all the help, as normal it's been a great help

 

Don't assume trouble if you have no symptoms. The system is capable of holding better pressure, but since you have no real issues, it is "normal enough".

 

That's a good way to express it!

Rich Krause

 

I am having the very same problem with my 1994 TA. After it sits over night, it is hard to start. I normally have to turn the key to the on position for about 5 seconds, then turn back to off, and then start to crank. It normally takes about 7-8 seconds to start while it cranks. But if it has ran and say i go in a store and come back out (even up to 30 minutes), then the car starts without any hesitation.
So this could be the check ball in the fuel pump. How would I know for sure? Do you just use a standard fuel pressure guage and check from the schrader? What is a good fuel pump to replace the stocker with?

 

The first step is to put a gauge on it and see what the pressure is doing when you shut it down. A leaky injector or regulator can cause a loss of pressure, too. Something you can do without tools, is to pull the vacuum line off at the regulator and check it for presence of any gas.

 

20psi is normal?

i thought it should be at a constant 43-47psi???

 

Did you read the first post? He was saying 20psi after the engine had been off for a couple of hours.

 

im sowwie...

no need to snap at me shoe....

 

Not snapping. I said that in a very benevolent tone.

 

well you'll have to say it louder


my hearing dimished to the point where i can't hear people talking to themselves in arkansas....