The amazing $20 CIS Tester

[echrisconnor]

A while back I had needed to check my system and control pressures for my CIS system. Since I didn't already have a good fuel pressure gauge with the CIS fittings, I decided to make my own. The following shows how I invested $20 at the local hardware store to make one up. The fittings I got off an old Saab, for free.

This connects at the fuel pressure regulator and has a shutoff valve for system pressure. It worked great and allowed me to see that while my system and hot control pressures were within spec, my cold pressure was low.




Yes, I know I could purchase the proper tool from JC Whitney for $70, but this was more fun and seemingly just as effective.

[scottb]

Isn't it great when you can DIY and not have to pay through the nose for something like this? Nice job!!

[john walker's workshop]

nice work. the low cold pressure could be a good thing. it makes the engine run a bit richer for a few minutes, often fixing the poor cold running resulting from a higher pressure. if the cold idle isn't surging way up and down, like it would if the pressure was way too low, you might consider not messing with it.

[echrisconnor]

I've already adjusted the cold pressure back into spec, but I haven't fully tested it yet. I was having a problem with the car running very rich at startup, so much so that it was spitting fuel out the tailpipe. Now, this may have been due to some fouled plugs, but I'm eager to see if this fixes the problem.