How Does a Fuel Pressure Regulator Work

The fuel pressure regulator has its major duty buried in maintaining an optimum level of fuel pressure, being consistent in nature. The fuel pressure is located depending upon the discretion of the manufacturer of a specific model of cars.

The fuel pressure regulator may either be placed in a raised position on the fuel rail or is spaced inside the fuel tank that is placed above the fuel pump. Maintaining the engine requirements by retaining the fuel pressure is what the regulator functions for.

This being a brief description of a fuel pressure regulator; it is time we move on to the next segment of the article that implements the explication of its functioning and the potential signs of the regulator needing a repair.

A fuel pressure regulator is an important part that facilitates the functioning of the car and is a prerequisite in maintaining fuel pressure with fuel injecting system. The fuel pressure regulator has to pump the required amount of fuel to exert minimal pressure on the spring.

There is a spring that is attached at the regulator. This spring has been designed and set in such a manner that the fuel is elicited to the desired level, set by the manufacturer.

Adequate fuel with required pressure is pumped through the fuel pressure regulator. If the fuel is pumped out more than it ought to, the extra fuel returns to the tank through the fuel rail. The regulator also has a vacuum hose that exerts pressure on the spring.

The fuel pressure also depends upon the condition of the car, that being stationary or moving. If the condition is stationary, the vacuum hose exerts a lowered amount of pressure on the fuel. On the contrary, when the vehicle is moving or is accelerated, the fuel that enters the regulator increases.

It would always serve to be beneficial, if you make an effort to learn and understand what are the potential symptoms that indicate that there is a defect in the fuel pressure thus causing an excess or deficiency in the fuel extricated in the regulator. Here are the symptoms of a bad fuel pressure regulator.

• The fuel pressure reduces and is not adequate; not matching the set standards of the fuel pressure regulator.
• The fuel pressure is more than the set consistency. There is a marked difference in the pressure being excessive in nature.

• There is black smoke that is extricated from the exhaust pipe.
• The fuel pump makes unpleasant noises.
• The spark plugs get choked and contaminated, resulting in black smoke.

• The car refuses to start properly even after it is well accelerated.
• You can smell oil on the dipstick. This leads to pointing towards the fact that gasoline has leaked into the system.
• The engine refuses to run smoothly and function normally. It starts for a brief period, halting suddenly.

• The engine stops when you lay stress on the gas pedal.
• The fuel pressure drops immediately after the vehicle's ignition is stalled.
• The fuel pressure builds, however you notice that the time taken for the building up process is more than required.

Remember the ideal fuel pressure to be maintained must fall in the range of 25 to 60 psi (Pounds per square inch). Make sure that the range is maintained. However, if it isn't, ensure that the fuel pressure regulator is replaced.