I am FREEZING in my car in winter especially

[laimisl]

Hi Archon,

Just went and retested.

As I hooked the tester and bleeded (bled) the tester from air, and then engine ignition key on of 3 times the pressure read as 19 to 20PSI (I had SECURITY LIGHT ON for the other problem indicated in this thread).

Then as SECURITY light was off, I started the car.

Car ran at about 900RPM.

So the pressure builds from 20 to 30 and then to 33PSI.

As I remove the FPR vacuum hose (hose sucks air ok) nothing really changes on the Pressure reader maybe just little tiny tiny bit pressure increases but that is so little as just on molecular level, so with this pressure gauge it is really hard to say.

So what do you figure Archon what is that look like as a problem, injectors or FPR as well?

Thanks,
Larry

[Mechanical Mike]

It may not be the injectors or the FPR. We see a lot more weak fuel pumps than injectors or FPRs. I wouldn't spend any money without further testing.

[laimisl]

Ok, thanks Mike, I am open for testing.

Please tell me what, how and when to test.

Thank you.

Larry

[Archon]

As I suggested earlier, start by changing your fuel filter so we can see if the pressure comes back up to specs. If not, you may be looking at a weak fuel pump.

[bill buttermore]

Larry, Archon and Mike are giving you good advice. Before you spend money changing the injectors (which you will want to test first to confirm that they are not functioning properly), you are better advised to first resolve the low fuel pressure issue that very well may be what is causing the hard start cold. Besides, to properly test the injectors, the fuel line pressure needs to be in the normal range.

So, change the fuel filter and re-check the pressure. If it is still low, change the pump. That may solve the cold start problem. If not, test the injectors.

Leaking injectors and faulty FPRs are not the only possible cause for gasoline in the engine oil. When an engine doesn't start normally, it is not uncommon for some gasoline to wash into the oil. This could happen even if there is not enough fuel to properly start the engine.

[Mechanical Mike]

I'd also change the PCV valve, the PCV system helps keep crankcase vapors to a minimum.

[laimisl]

Hi Bill,

Hope your small vacation was nice.

Ok, I will change PCV Valve that is easy, and also Fuel filter that I have changed last in 2004.

After that If he fuel pressure not changed do you refer o fuel tank? Do you mean I would need to drop the fuel tank down?

Ok,I will check on these little 2 things and will let you know.

FRAM filter is ok? for fuel filter?

Larry

[bill buttermore]

Fram fuel filter is fine. If the pressure does not increase after the new filter is installed, I would recommend that you drop the fuel tank and install a new fuel pump. This is a lot easier to do when the tank is nearly empty, and must be done with care and safety in mind regarding sparks and nearby open flames.

[laimisl]

Thanks Bill for coming back on this.

Will let you know.

Where is back pressure valve located for the fuel supply line? Is it in the fuel pump by any chance?

One more thing, my sending unit had a few lines refurbished, can it be the case that few of these lines leak inside the tank thus there is not enough pressure.

Please understand I just want to have all the parts for the job, since I am about dropping the tank. And most of the parts I need to order from US since here in Canada they are with 200 or 300% mark up.

Thanks,
Larry

[bill buttermore]

I don't know for sure but I think the check valve is part of the fuel pump assembly. The fuel level sender is also part of the assembly but should not have anything to do with fuel pressure.

Please take appropriate safety precautions if you decide to drop the tank to replace the pump. Support the car safely. Before you open any fuel lines, disconnect the battery to prevent the possibility of any accidental electrical sparks, and keep well away from sources of ignition such as cigarettes and pilot lights. Avoid the use of power tools or tools that could create sparks. An LED flashlight is a better choice for working within gasoline vapor than an incandescent drop light.

[laimisl]

Thank you Bill,

I greatly appreciate safety instructions and advises, it sounds real friendly. I am very happy to find such great people like you guys in this forum.

Why I say my sending unit may leak inside the tank, because the a$$hat that fixed it (few branched were rusted and leaked outside the fuel tank) when he did that the first time it leaked so strong that I could hear the stream of gas hitting inside of gas tank as the fuel pump pressurizes the system before the start. So I suspect the welding spot where he cut old sender unit branches and revelded (2nd time as 1st it leaked) so the welding spot got open again. I am so upset with that f**k pro mechanic specializing in gas tanks, but since then I moved about 1200km, otherwise I would rip his ass off.

So does that sound like possibility of the problem?

Also Bill do I need to have low gas level in tank when changing fuel filter?

Thanks,
Larry

[Barry]

You don't need a low tank of gas to change the filter. Just release the pressure at the fuel rail. Wear goggles and have a pan to catch some fuel that will run out.

[bill buttermore]

Like Barry says, you don't need low gasoline to change the fuel filter. You do not need to drop the tank for that.

Sounds like you had someone who attempted to repair your fuel pump, and according to your description, did not do a good job. If there is a hole in the pressure line inside the tank, then sure, that could account for the low pressure you are measuring at the rail. The new pump should replace all of those problems for you.

[laimisl]

Hi Bill,

Do you mean the new pump comes with a new sending unit included?

Thanks,
Larry

PS: thanks, I know I do not need to drop tank or fuel filter replacement, did that one before, I am about to do that again, 1 thing I fear though is to break rusted gas line at the filter nut connection. Hope fortune is with me though. :-)

PS2: What and how PCV valve does in that relation, could not get that one today in that store. Tomorrow.

[bill buttermore]

The Spectra pump from rockauto.com pictured in the link below:

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1042761

comes with a sending unit and a strainer and costs $109.00 USD

[laimisl]

That is a great deal Bill.

Where to locate ignition switch, did not seem to find there, as I have these SECURITY problems.

Thanks,
Larry

[bill buttermore]

I would do some testing before I changed out the ignition switch for a security problem. The key resistor, the contacts around the lock cylinder and the tiny wires should be examined first. There is also a work-around for a bad VATS, if I remember correctly. Try searching VATS here and see what you find.

If you really do need an ignition switch, rock auto lists them under electrical switches/ignition starter switch for about $75.

[laimisl]

Update:

Changed fuel filter. Pressure the same. I guess Fuel pump needs to be changed.
FYI: fuel pump in Canada 250$ sending Unit 250$ Gas tank 250$, Gas tank in US is 100$ and Fuel tank with sending unit 100$ do you figure how cool is to have such competitive prices in US?

So the fuel pressure when running stayed at 31PSI.

SECURITY light ISSUE: I tried to locate that pink wire, there are a lot of them. Actually there are 2 branches of wires running up the steering column, one from the bottom of the column other from the top. Where is that pink wire?

Should I remove the black plastic close to the pedals to see that control box where the pink wire feeds to?

Just to mention, I had a problem a while ago with the interior lights always on. Then electrician found a problem, and from the passenger side (not the driver) under the dash (where the feet are) in the black box disconnected the wire and problem solved, that wire was turning the lights on when the car was locked and you would touch the door handle from outside. Now that function is disabled. Is that the same black box that you mention that the pink wire feeds to?

Please explain more clearly, as it is very hard to find the pink wire, as I wanted to test it with 12V 194 bulb. What should I disassemble to get there?

Thanks,
Larry

[bill buttermore]

As I recall, the thin VATS contact wires in my car are orange. They are located at the base of the lock cylinder on the steering column where you insert the key. The airbag needs to be disabled, the steering wheel removed, and maybe(?) the turn signal switch undone to get down to the lock cylinder. Auto parts stores rent (for free) the tool to compress the spring on tilt wheels to allow you to remove the circlip to gain access to the turn signal switch. This design was changed sometime after 95 ....don't know when.

I'll see if I can find you some better VATS help.

[Archon]

This link may help you with the VATS problem.
http://vats.likeabigdog.com/