Mercedes Mullins
Adjusting the fuel pressure of an AirDog pump can be a tricky process. While some AirDog pumps are preset to a certain pressure, such as 8 psi, others may require manual adjustment. It is recommended to use a fuel pressure gauge to monitor the fuel pressure during the adjustment process. The pressure can be adjusted by loosening the jamnut and turning the set screw counterclockwise to decrease the pressure or clockwise to increase it. Additionally, inconsistent springs can cause erratic fuel pressure readings, and replacing them can help fix the issue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel pressure gauge | Recommended |
| Fuel pressure | 8-10 psi |
| Spring | 16-18 psi |
| Ball | Hard plastic, either Buna or Viton |
What You'll Learn
The importance of a fuel pressure gauge
A fuel pressure gauge is an important tool for diagnosing issues with your vehicle's fuel system. It allows you to verify whether your vehicle is receiving adequate fuel pressure, which is necessary for the engine to run properly. While it may be considered by some as a worthless test, it is, in fact, a necessary one, as it can help identify problems with the fuel pump or circuitry.
The gauge consists of a simple design, with a gauge attached to a fuel hose and multiple fittings that can connect to almost any vehicle's fuel system. This allows for a one-person operation, as you can sit in the driver's seat and view the pressure reading in psi. A well-functioning engine only needs four things—air, fuel, spark, and compression—and a fuel pressure gauge helps you determine if you're getting enough fuel.
Additionally, a fuel pressure gauge can provide valuable information when troubleshooting a non-starting vehicle. If there is no fuel pressure, it indicates a lack of fuel volume, which can help narrow down the potential causes. However, it's important to note that fuel volume may be a more accurate measurement to consider, as it directly impacts fuel pressure.
In conclusion, a fuel pressure gauge is a valuable tool for maintaining your vehicle's fuel system. While it may not always be the first test you perform, it offers insight into the health of your fuel pump and can help identify issues with fuel pressure that could impact your vehicle's performance. By regularly monitoring fuel pressure with this gauge, you can ensure that your vehicle receives the necessary adjustments for optimal fuel delivery and engine performance.
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Adjusting fuel pressure without a gauge
- Turn the regulator counter-clockwise until it stops.
- Then, turn the regulator clockwise by 2 and a half full turns.
Alternatively, some people suggest turning it counter-clockwise all the way and then turning it 5 full turns clockwise. This method was confirmed by an Airdog representative. However, it is still recommended to confirm the setting with a fuel pressure gauge if possible.
If you are using an Airdog 150, the process may be different, and it is always recommended to refer to the manual for specific instructions. Some users have reported that their Airdog 4G was preset to 8 PSI, while others have said it was not. It is important to note that the fuel pressure can vary, and it is recommended to invest in a fuel pressure gauge to ensure accurate adjustments.
Overall, while it is possible to adjust the fuel pressure on an Airdog without a gauge, it is not ideal. It is always best to use a gauge to ensure accurate and proper adjustments.
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The spring and ball method
The first step is to identify the spring and ball within your Airdog pump. To do this, locate the hose/fitting that is connected to the "air/vapor return to the tank". Remove this hose, and you should find a spring and a ball inside. The spring will likely be provided by the pump manufacturer to maintain adequate pressures, typically between 16-18 psi. The ball is made of hard plastic and can be either a Buna or Viton ball. This ball creates a seal when the pump is off, preventing fuel from leaking or moving in the lines.
If you have been experiencing erratic fuel pressure, it could be due to an issue with the spring and ball mechanism. Check the condition of the spring; if it appears twisted or deformed, try straightening it out and reinstalling it. If that doesn't work, you may need to replace the spring altogether.
In some cases, the ball may also be the source of the problem. If you have been experiencing erratic or lower-than-expected fuel pressures, try replacing the Buna ball with a Viton ball, which is made of stronger material.
If you're still having issues with low fuel pressure, you can try adding a washer to shim the spring and raise the pressure. However, make sure you double-check that you're using the correct washer size to avoid adding any additional restrictions.
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The role of the fuel pressure regulator
The fuel pressure regulator is an essential component of any EFI system, ensuring the fuel rail can build up enough pressure to supply the injectors with sufficient fuel. Without it, the fuel will flow straight through without reaching the injectors.
The regulator maintains a steady fuel supply, even during dramatic changes in demand. It consists of a diaphragm that controls the bypass valve, or "ball seat", which opens and closes to adjust for steady fuel delivery. The diaphragm is attached to the bypass valve, and when pressure is applied to the top of the regulator, a spring forces the diaphragm down, reducing excess fuel supply and making the fuel pumps work harder. This, in turn, increases fuel pressure.
The fuel pressure regulator ensures the correct fuel-to-air ratio, which is a 1:1 ratio. This ratio is sufficient to enable the fuel injector to keep the pressure that balances the steady fuel delivery. The fuel pressure regulator adapts the fuel supply to the fuel demand, ensuring a successful fuel and air mixture.
The FPR is usually mounted after the fuel rail, ensuring the fuel rail has priority in fuel flow. The valve in the FPR controls the amount of fuel that is bled from the fuel rail by opening an outlet port, allowing fuel to flow back into the fuel tank.
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Troubleshooting erratic fuel pressure
If you are experiencing erratic fuel pressure, there are a few things you can check and some potential fixes you can try. Firstly, it's important to note that Airdog fuel pumps typically do not come with an easy way to adjust fuel pressure. However, there are some workarounds and troubleshooting steps you can try.
One possible cause of erratic fuel pressure is the spring and ball mechanism that regulates fuel pressure. The springs can sometimes be inconsistent, leading to erratic or lower-than-expected fuel pressure readings. If you suspect this might be the issue, you can try straightening out the spring and reinstalling it, or you might need to replace the spring altogether.
Another factor to consider is the type of ball used. Airdog typically uses a Viton ball, which is made of stronger material than the Buna ball used in some other pumps. If you're experiencing erratic fuel pressures, try replacing the ball with a Viton ball.
If you're still having issues with low fuel pressure, you can try adding a washer to shim the spring and raise the pressure. Be sure to double-check the measurements to ensure you're not adding any additional restriction.
Additionally, don't overlook the possibility of a faulty gauge. It's always good to start with the simplest solution and work your way up.
Other potential causes of erratic fuel pressure could be related to the pump itself. For example, a noisy pump could be due to a restriction or aeration in the suction side of the pump. This could be caused by cracked or damaged fuel lines, leaking fittings, or issues with the water separator or filters.
If you're experiencing excessive fuel pressure drops under acceleration, this could be due to an inlet restriction or suction leaks. It's important to go through the troubleshooting steps provided by the manufacturer and, if the issue persists, contact their technical support team for further assistance.
Finally, if you suspect the issue might be related to electrical components, you can try inspecting the inline fuse and verifying that there is 12 volts reaching the pump. If the fuse is blown, replace it, and if it blows immediately, this could indicate a jam in the Gerotor.
By following these troubleshooting steps and making the necessary adjustments, you should be able to resolve issues with erratic fuel pressure in your Airdog fuel pump.
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Frequently asked questions
The Airdog does not typically come with a way to easily adjust fuel pressure. However, you can adjust the pressure by loosening the jamnut and turning the set screw counter-clockwise.
It is strongly recommended to have a fuel pressure gauge. You can run a mechanical gauge at the pump on the test port or one in the engine bay off the filter head.
If you prefer analog gauges, the top two manufacturers are ISSPRO and Autometer. If you prefer electronic, you can run an in-cab display which houses most gauge combinations and comes with the tuner boxes.
The psi will depend on your engine's horsepower. The Airdog 150 is for stock engines, the Airdog 165 is for engines up to 800 hp, and the Airdog 200 is for anything over 800 hp.
You can put a washer in to shim the spring and raise the pressure. Make sure you double-check that you're not adding any additional restriction by using too small of an ID.
