3.2- Replace FPR while you're in there?

[NY65912]

OK, after reading so many 3.2 Carrera fuel line replacement threads I have decided to start a winter project on my baby.
Remove the intake manifolds to refresh insulators and gaskets.
Send the injectors out for service.
Replace all the fuel lines
Check all vacuum lines
Do the triangle of death since I’m in there.
Detail the engine bay.

My engine runs rich, I think very rich. My wrench tried to lean it out by adjusting the AFM to no avail

Now that I’m "in there" I was wondering if replacing the fuel pressure regulator is a good preventative measure.

What does the brain trust think?

[Chuck.H]

There are two distinct lines of maintenence - replace upon failure and replace 'while in there'. I generally fall into the first group, and before taking your engine off-line I'd check the fuel pressure thru the rail - if it's normal I would not replace it.

For a rich condition, I'd check the following:

fuel pressure
injectors for leaking or poor spray pattern
o2 sensor unless it runs rich right from cold start
CHT
air flow meter
air temp sensor

Chuck.H
'89 TurboLookTarga, 372k miles (currently in Atlanta, yikes roads are bad!)

[NY65912]

Chuck,
The CHT and O2 sensors are new.
I’ll be checking the AFM on the bench.
Air temp sensor? Am I missing this, this is a ’85 Motronic engine.
I’d hate to have to change the FPR after I have everything put back together.
Thanks

[sundevil64]

I thought the air temp sensor was incorporated with the air flow meter? It's a white cone like looking thing.

[NY65912]

I'm claiming ignorance on this. I'll take a look for it.
Thanks

[Chuck.H]

>>> I’d hate to have to change the FPR after I have everything put back together.

I'd hate it also - that's why I'd check it with a fuel pressure gauge before replacing. BTW, if you can pressurize the fuel rail with it removed from the engine, it's a great time to check for leaking injectors, and test the FPR at the same time. Just jumper a wire to the fuel pump fuse in the front trunk. Actually this is a good test of your new fuel lines as well!

Chuck.H
'89 TurboLookTarga, 372k miles

[RWebb]

in some cars, the FPR is a known failure point due to the flexible diaphragm failing

one failure mode is to spray gas out and ignite an engine fire

[NY65912]

Chuck,

What's the best way to attach a gauge to the rail/FPR?

Thanks

[Chuck.H]

Hi Mike -

There is a fitting on the drivers side fuel rail - a hex cap nut with a ball under it. Some say you can get the correct metric fitting in the harbor freight fuel pressure gauge kit; me I just ordered a replacement nut from Pelican, drilled thru it and TIG welded a hose barb on.

Chuck.H
'89 TurboLookTarga, 372k miles

[NY65912]

Cool

Thanks

[BoxsterGT]

Mike-

I have the correct fitting for checking fuel pressures if needed...........



Please email me only. No PMs.

Len at Autosportengineering dot com

[NY65912]

Hey Len, I went ahead and changed the FRP and damper. BTW, the car runs better than ever and no more rich idle. Your lines fit like a glove. Thanks