Fuel Pressure Test: Can-Am Vehicles And Performance

Testing the fuel pressure of a car can help identify whether there is an issue with the fuel pump. A malfunctioning fuel pump can cause a range of issues, from a lack of power output from the engine to the vehicle being non-performing. Before testing the fuel pressure, it is important to ensure safety by wearing protective gear and working in a well-ventilated area. The process involves parking the car, turning off the engine, locating the fuel pressure test port, and installing a pressure tester. The engine is then turned on, and the pressure reading is recorded. This reading is then compared to the manufacturer's specifications to determine if there is an issue with the fuel pump.

How to check your fuel pressure

Checking your fuel pressure is an important part of maintaining your Can-Am vehicle. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the necessary tools and parts

You will need a fuel pressure gauge and a "tee" that can handle a minimum of 55 psi, as you are aiming for a pressure of around 51 psi. You can purchase or rent these tools from an automotive store. If you have an older model, check your manual for the specific pressure you are aiming for.

Step 2: Access the fuel pump

The fuel pump is located under the seat, on top of the fuel tank. You will need to disconnect the fuel line coming from the pump. Leave the line going to the engine from the fuel pump disconnected.

Step 3: Connect the fuel pressure gauge

Connect the fuel pressure gauge directly to the fuel pump, with about 2 feet of hose. Make sure to bleed out all the air from the gauge to ensure an accurate reading.

Step 4: Test the fuel pressure

Turn the key to the "on" position and observe the pressure on the gauge. Cycle the key a few times and look at the pressure. A healthy fuel pump should provide a pressure of around 50 psi. Anything under 45 psi indicates a problem with the pump.

Step 5: Further troubleshooting

If you are experiencing issues with your fuel pump, there are a few other things you can check. First, make sure the fuel pump strainer is not plugged. Also, check the grommets on the fuel pump for any damage or wear, as these can cause fuel pressure leaks. Additionally, check for any obstructions in the fuel line, a failed pressure regulator, or a blocked fuel filter.

Step 6: Consult a professional

If you continue to experience issues with your fuel pump or are unsure about any part of the testing process, it is best to consult a professional mechanic or take your vehicle to a Can-Am dealership for further diagnosis and repair.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your fuel pump is functioning properly and maintain the performance and longevity of your Can-Am vehicle.

What tools do I need to test my fuel pressure?

To test your vehicle's fuel pressure, you will need a fuel pressure test kit. These kits consist of two key parts: a gauge designed to read fuel pressure and the fuel hose it is attached to. You can purchase a basic kit for $70 to $80.

You will also need a helper to rev the engine during testing. The process usually involves the following steps:

• Search for the specifications of your vehicle to learn what readings you should expect. This can be done by checking your vehicle owner's manual.
• Open the hood and remove the cap attached to the fuel pump test point. It is usually beside the fuel injectors.
• Attach the fuel hose to the fuel pump test point. Bleed the fuel pressure gauge to let out any air before getting your reading.
• Ask your helper to activate the ignition, then read the vehicle's fuel pressure level.
• Take note of the levels indicated on the gauge.
• Remove the fuel pressure gauge and reseal the cap before closing the hood of your vehicle.

If you are testing the fuel pressure on a Can-Am vehicle, you may need to purchase the injector fitting from BRP.

Fuel pump test

If your vehicle is struggling to accelerate, especially at high speeds, or you notice other signs that your car may not be getting enough gas, you might have a partially blocked or clogged fuel line, fuel filter, pump, or injector. If your car won't start at all, there are some quick tests you can run to figure out whether the fuel pump is causing the problem.

Electrical Test

First, check the fuel pump fuse. Often, it's not the pump itself that's the problem, but the power that supplies it. Check your owner's manual for the location of the fuse box, then find the fuse that corresponds to the fuel pump. Pull it out and inspect it for signs of failure. If the fuse is blown, it will be broken or burned. If it looks good, check the rest of the fuses related to the fuel system and replace them if necessary. If no fuses are blown, ask an assistant to turn the key while you listen for the fuel pump relay clicking on.

If you need to replace a fuse, make sure you use one with the proper amp rating and never install one with more amps than necessary. If you find a blown fuse, this could be a sign that you've got a high amp draw, in which case you should check the individual circuits. Try to replace the blown fuel fuse and attempt to start the vehicle. If the fuse blows again, a direct short is present and will need to be diagnosed by a mechanic.

Next, check the voltage at the pump itself. Just because there is power going to the circuit doesn't mean that it's getting to the pump, so it's important to check the voltage there as well. Consult your vehicle's service manual to find out where and how to check the voltage.

Test for source voltage to determine whether the charge that's leaving the fuse is getting to the pump. If no power is making it to the fuel pump, then check the fuel pump relay circuit—you could have a bad relay.

Perform a drop test using a voltmeter. Check to make sure that the power wire shows the full voltage and the grounding wire shows that it's grounded properly. If this electrical test doesn't reveal any issues, it's likely that your fuel pump is the problem. However, you can check more thoroughly by performing a fuel pressure test.

If you show more than one-volt difference, that means you've got a problem with corroded wires, or that you've got issues with the circuit on either the positive or negative side. Take your car to a mechanic for further testing and advice.

Fuel Pressure Test

Before performing a fuel pressure test, eliminate the filter as a possibility. If the filter gets clogged with sediment, you can have trouble accelerating and might suspect your fuel pump is the issue. To check it, remove the filter from the vehicle and drain excess fuel from the filter. Use a short piece of rubber hose on the filter inlet. Blow through the filter inlet, paying attention to the resistance, which should be minimal. Inspect the screen for debris and replace the filter if necessary by blowing through the outlet side of the filter into a white rag or towel.

Purchase a fuel pressure gauge, which is commonly available at most auto parts stores for $20-30. The test only takes a few minutes and the gauge can be useful for most makes and models of cars. If you don’t want to buy one, you can also often borrow one from machine shops or auto shops.

Hook the pressure gauge to the fuel pump test fitting. Locate your fuel pump test point, which is usually near the fuel injectors, and locate the point at which the pump hooks up with the filter injector rail. There should be a separation joint or a test port, where the pressure gauge attaches.

Different gauges may have slightly different instructions, and the location of the fuel pump varies from vehicle to vehicle, so consult your owner’s manual for more specific instructions.

Let the engine warm up slightly, then ask an assistant to rev the engine while you check the gauge. Check the pressure both at idle speed and at the rated speed listed in your pump specifications. If you don’t know the rated speed, just rev the engine and observe how the pressure reacts. If you have a serious problem, the needle won’t move much or goes down below specifications, meaning the fuel pump needs to be replaced.

The pressure should match the specifications listed in the repair manual and should increase as you rev the engine. If it doesn’t, you need to replace your fuel pump and filter.

Fuel pressure gauge

A fuel pressure gauge is an essential tool for testing fuel pressure in a Can-Am vehicle. It is used to measure the pressure of the fuel system, which can help diagnose issues with the fuel pump or engine performance.

To test the fuel pressure, a pressure gauge is connected to the fuel system, typically by installing a "tee" fitting in the fuel line or by disconnecting the fuel hose and connecting the gauge directly to the fuel injector. The vehicle's engine is then started, and the pressure gauge reading is observed. For a Can-Am, the desired fuel pressure is around 51 psi (pounds per square inch) while the engine is running. Some sources suggest that a healthy pump can provide more pressure, but the regulator will bypass the excess back to the tank to maintain the desired pressure.

It is important to ensure that the pressure gauge is bled of any air before taking measurements, as air in the system can affect the accuracy of the reading. Additionally, the calibration of the gauge should be considered, as it may be off by a pound or two. To confirm the accuracy of the gauge, it is recommended to take the vehicle for a ride and monitor the pressure while accelerating. If the pressure holds steady within a pound or two, the fuel pump is likely functioning correctly.

When testing the fuel pressure, it is also important to consider other factors that can affect fuel pump performance, such as fuel contamination, clogged fuel filters, or issues with the pressure regulator. A fuel pressure gauge is a valuable tool for troubleshooting fuel system issues and can help identify if the fuel pump needs to be replaced or if there are other underlying problems causing the vehicle's symptoms.

Fuel pump troubleshooting

There are many reasons why your Can-Am might be having fuel pump issues. Here is a list of troubleshooting methods to help diagnose the problem.

Preliminary Checks

• Check for fuel in the tank.
• Listen for fuel pump noise. Usually, you can do this test yourself from inside the vehicle. By turning the ignition key to the ON position (engine off), you should hear the fuel pump come alive with a swishing sound for about 2 seconds.
• If you can't hear the pump working, enlist the help of an assistant and follow these steps: remove the fuel filler cap, put your ear close to the filler opening, and ask your assistant to turn the ignition key to the ON position (but don't start the engine). You should hear a whirring sound coming from inside the fuel tank.
• If you don't hear this sound but the engine cranks when you try to start it, you may have a problem in the fuel pump electrical circuit. Check the fuel pump fuse, fuel pump relay, and, if necessary, the wiring and other related sensors that the engine control module (ECM-car computer) relies on to activate the pump, like the camshaft position sensor.
• Check the car computer for any stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) that may point in the direction of the problem.
• If you think there's a problem in the electrical circuit and the fuel pump fuse is okay, try switching the fuel pump relay with another similar relay in your car and try starting the engine.
• On some vehicle models, insufficient engine oil pressure will keep the engine from starting to prevent engine damage. Check for any stored DTCs. If necessary, the vehicle repair manual for your particular car make and model will guide you to make this check.
• Make sure the timing belt is okay. If the engine cranks but doesn't start and the engine uses a timing belt, make sure the belt is still in place or not loose. On average, a timing belt has a service life of about five years.
• Consider whether the fuel filter is clogged. Have you changed the fuel filter according to your car manufacturer's service schedule? Look up the service interval for the fuel filter in your car owner's manual or vehicle repair manual. If necessary, replace the filter to make sure you are not dealing with a restricted or clogged fuel filter.
• Check the vacuum line to the fuel pressure regulator (FPR). Disconnect the vacuum line from the FPR. This is a small metallic cylinder connected to the fuel rail. Check that the vacuum line has no traces of fuel and is completely dry (if possible, do this check with the engine idling). If the inside of the vacuum hose is wet, it's sucking fuel off the pressure regulator because the diaphragm is torn. Replace the FPR.
• Make sure there is fuel in the fuel lines. On EFI models, you can do this by depressing the Schrader valve or "test port." You'll find the valve somewhere along the fuel rail, which holds the fuel injectors in place. Cover the valve with a shop rag and use a small screwdriver to depress the valve. Use the rag to catch the squirt of fuel.
• On throttle body injection (TBI) models, you can actually see the fuel spraying into the throttle body by removing the air cleaner housing and watching the injector while an assistant cranks the engine.
• If your system doesn't have a Schrader valve and the engine doesn't start, remove the fuel pump fuse, crank the engine for a few seconds, disconnect the fuel line from the fuel rail and point the end of the line into a fuel-approved container.

Frequently asked questions