Low Fuel Pressure
#1
Low Fuel Pressure
I recently replaced my worn out 350 with a 455 in my 69 Cutlass. It runs great. I wanted to make sure I was getting a consistent 6 PSI fuel pressure to the carb, so I installed a mechanical fuel pressure regulator. After installation and leak check, I started adjusting the regulator. I initially got good response on my guage and increased pressure from 3 to 5 fairly quickly. But, then the guage stopped moving. No matter how much adjustment I made, it would not increase fuel press. I backed the adjustment off until I started getting a reduction in fuel press and locked the adjustment screw. I came out a couple days later, backed out the adjustment screw and started all over, but again no more than 5 psi. I replaced my guage with an Aeromotive guage just in case that was the issue but no change. Also, once I turn the engine off, the fuel pressure will gradually drop to zero by the next day. I just started the car today and noticed that i have air bubbles forming at the intake side of my filter between the pump and the pressure regulator. I recently changed out all my flex hose between the tank and the pump so I know I'm not pulling air thru a rotted piece of hose. The fuel pump is brand new. Any ideas on how to get 6 psi?
#2
1. Are you using a liquid-filled gauge? Did you "burp" the gauge at the rubber seal each time, before taking your readings?
2. Fuel pump weak? The mechanical fuel pumps are limited by the spring pressure; if the internal spring is weak...so is the fuel pressure. Regulators can reduce pressure, they can't increase it above what the pump provides.
2. Fuel pump weak? The mechanical fuel pumps are limited by the spring pressure; if the internal spring is weak...so is the fuel pressure. Regulators can reduce pressure, they can't increase it above what the pump provides.
Last edited by Schurkey; August 21st, 2020 at 10:10 PM.
#3
What kind of pump are you using? I can tell you from personal experience the AirTex 40367 pump is capable of keeping up with a stout 455. The pumps are replacement for the Toronado and 455 performance pump. Last one I bought I got from advance Auto for about 40 bucks.
The other option is the RobbMc pump. It’s a much bigger pump than any other mechanical pump so it may be a tight fit depending on your accessories.
The other options are electric pumps.
The other option is the RobbMc pump. It’s a much bigger pump than any other mechanical pump so it may be a tight fit depending on your accessories.
The other options are electric pumps.
#5
Schurkey, yes I have a liquid filled guage and I did burp it before taking the reading ... well, I did that when I finally figured out that I was supposed to anyway
I didn't think about the regulator only regulating vice increasing pressure, thanks for that. So, I'll check the fuel pump next I guess.
I didn't think about the regulator only regulating vice increasing pressure, thanks for that. So, I'll check the fuel pump next I guess.
#10
As long as the pump can deliver 1/2 a pint or more in 15 seconds you are golden.
#12
I don't have the 1968 or 1969 Chassis Service Manuals. The one for 1967 says 5 to 7 PSI is normal for the V-8 engines. The one for 1970 says 5 to 6 PSI is normal for the V-8 engines.
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