[Bob Kontak]

Forgive this ramble but if someone can save me from dropping the tank and replacing the fuel pump, it would be appreciated. Specific questions at bottom of thread.

Van (2003) should have 55-65 psi fuel pressure but 50 psi seems to be the cut-off for proper function from internet reads. Something about tappets in the spider injection need strong pressure.

Pump builds to 55 with key turn then rests at 52. Starts like a boss. Residual pressure will drop to 8psi if left overnight. I don't think it's a leaker.

Once started drops to 48 yet runs fine until highway speeds. If "floored" at 70 will drop to lower gear and surge but then peter out. Have to keep it at sixty to get to your destination.

I have no smell of gasoline. Much talk about fuel lines under manifold and FP regulator leaking yet residual holds.....long time. FP regulator increases pressure then drops below the 48 then back to 48 quickly when throttle blipped. That seems ok to me.

Fuel filter replaced.

Questions:

Can a fuel pump function with adequate power and ground yet deliver a nice steady marginal fuel pressure?

Power at FP cannot be tested unless tank is dropped. If I am into it that deep a new FP is going in. However, ground is accessible. Can a poor ground cause the FP to work "just fine" save not enough pressure? I believe it can.

Can a tired FP regulator drop pressure into a marginal range but not leak?

I would rather pull the tank than open that intake manifold in a van through the dog house hole but I am listening.

Thank you for input.

Edit: Left and right bank OBD lean codes.