Best Places To Install Fuel Pressure Regulator In Wrx

Installing a fuel pressure regulator in a WRX can be a complex task and it is important to ensure that it is done correctly to avoid potential engine damage. The fuel pressure regulator is located under the manifold, to the right of the stock turbo inlet. The process involves removing the OEM damper and FPR assembly, connecting the supply side damper to the original fuel supply hose, and then connecting the other side of the damper to the inlet of the fuel rail. It is also crucial to secure the vacuum line to prevent it from popping off, which can lead to serious engine issues. When installing an aftermarket fuel pressure regulator, additional parts such as fuel hoses, clamps, and hose menders may be required. It is recommended to refer to installation guides or seek advice from experienced individuals to ensure a proper and safe installation.

Installing a Tomei Fuel Pressure Regulator

Preparation:

• Ensure that you have the correct car manufacturer's maintenance manual for reference.
• Gather all the necessary tools and safety equipment, including a fire extinguisher.
• Work in a well-ventilated area, away from fire hazards such as welding equipment and electric motors.
• Disconnect the car battery's negative terminal.

Removal of the Old Fuel Pressure Regulator:

• Remove the fuel from the fuel lines.
• Disconnect the vacuum hose from the regulator and then remove the old regulator.

Installation of the Tomei Fuel Pressure Regulator:

• Select the appropriate fitting or nipple for the specific vehicle and regulator.
• Mount the Tomei regulator in the car using the provided mounting bracket.
• Connect the fuel piping connections.
• If connecting a fuel pressure gauge, wrap the screw with Teflon tape for a proper seal.
• Reconnect the vacuum hose to the new regulator.
• Double-check all fittings and connections to ensure nothing is loose.

Final Checks and Adjustments:

• Check for any signs of fuel leakages, especially around connections and the PT plug area.
• Adjust the fuel pressure to suit your requirements.
• Reinstall the pressure sensor plug if it was removed during the installation process.

It is important to follow all safety precautions and guidelines provided by the manufacturer when installing a Tomei Fuel Pressure Regulator. Working with fuel-related parts carries a high risk of fire, so caution is essential.

Additionally, specific vehicles, such as the Subaru WRX, may have unique considerations when installing an aftermarket fuel pressure regulator. It is always recommended to refer to vehicle-specific instructions and consult with a qualified mechanic before proceeding with any modifications.

Replacing the Fuel Pressure Regulator

The fuel pressure regulator is a device designed to maintain a constant fuel pressure for proper fuel atomization. It helps the fuel injector let out the right amount of fuel.

Step 1: Prepare your vehicle

Park your vehicle on a flat, hard surface. Make sure that the transmission is in park (for automatics) or in 1st gear (for manuals). Secure the front tires with wheel chocks and engage the parking brake to lock the rear tires from moving.

Step 2: Disconnect the battery

Open the vehicle’s hood and disconnect your battery. Take the ground cable off the battery’s negative post to disable the power going to the fuel pump. Put on protective gloves before removing any battery terminals.

Step 3: Remove the engine cover

Remove the cover from the top of the engine. Remove any brackets that may be in the way of the fuel pressure regulator. If your engine has an intake on the engine that is transverse mounted or overlaps the fuel pressure regulator, you must remove the intake before removing the fuel pressure regulator.

Step 4: Bleed off the pressure in the fuel rail

Find the schrader valve, or test port, on the fuel rail. Put on safety glasses and protective clothing. Place a small drip pan under the rail and place a towel over the port. Using a small flat screwdriver, open the valve by pushing on the schrader valve. This will bleed off the pressure in the fuel rail.

If you do not have a test port or a schrader valve, you will need to remove the supply fuel hose to the fuel rail. Place a drip pan under the fuel rail supply hose and use a fuel hose quick disconnect tool kit to remove the fuel hose from the fuel rail. This will release the pressure on the fuel rail.

Step 5: Remove the vacuum line and the fuel pressure regulator

Remove the vacuum line from the fuel pressure regulator. Remove the mounting hardware from the fuel pressure regulator. Take the fuel pressure regulator off the fuel rail. Clean the fuel rail with a lint-free cloth. Check the condition of the vacuum hose from the engine manifold to the fuel pressure regulator. Replace the vacuum hose if it is cracked or has any holes in it.

Step 6: Install the new fuel pressure regulator

Install the new fuel pressure regulator onto the fuel rail. Screw in the mounting hardware finger tight. Tighten up the mounting hardware to 12 inch-pounds, then a 1/8 turn. Put on the vacuum hose to the fuel pressure regulator. Install any brackets that you had to remove to get the old regulator off. Also, install the intake if you had to remove it. Be sure to use new gaskets or o-rings to seal the intake to the engine.

Step 7: Reinstall the engine cover

Put the engine cover back on by snapping it into place.

Step 8: Reconnect the battery

Reconnect the ground cable back onto the battery’s negative post. Remove the nine-volt battery saver from the cigarette lighter, if you used one. Tighten up the battery clamp to ensure that the connection is good.

Step 9: Check for leaks

Turn the ignition key on. Listen for the fuel pump to activate. Turn off the ignition after the fuel pump stops making noise. You will need to cycle the ignition key on and off 3 to 4 times to ensure the fuel rail is full of fuel and pressurized. Use a combustible gas detector to check all of the connections for any leaks. Sniff the air for any fuel odors.

Step 10: Test drive the vehicle

Drive the vehicle around the block. During the test, listen for any engine cylinders not firing correctly and feel for any odd vibrations. Check for dashboard warning lights. Monitor the dash for the fuel level and for any engine light to appear.

If the engine light comes on even after replacing the fuel pressure regulator, further diagnosis of the fuel system may be required. This issue may be due to a possible electrical issue within the fuel system.

Installing an adjustable Fuel pressure regulator

Firstly, ensure you have the necessary parts. For a WRX, you will need:

• Fuel Hose, 5/16" diameter
• Fuel Hose Clamps
• Brass Hose Menders, 5/16"
• '06 STI Fuel Supply Damper 42086FE030
• '06 STI Fuel Return Damper 42086FE040

You may also need an O-ring, and a used FPR with 10k miles.

Now, follow these steps:

• Remove the OEM damper and FPR assembly.
• Connect the '06 supply side damper to the original fuel supply hose.
• Connect the other side of the damper to the inlet of the fuel rail.
• Connect the fuel rail outlet to the new FPR inlet (side).
• Connect the FPR outlet (bottom) to the '06 return damper.
• Connect the return damper to the return hose.
• Connect the FPR vacuum hose to the IM where the OEM FPR used to be.

At this point, you can set the FPR to 43.5 psi, which is the OEM pressure. You may deviate from this to suit your fuel requirements.

It is important to note that the FPR should not be mounted near extreme heat. Additionally, ensure that the vacuum line is secure, as this is a known issue with FPRs. Zip ties can be used to secure the line, and you may also want to flare out the ends of the metal lines to reduce the chance of the line popping off.

Finally, it is important to double-check your connections. If you connect the fuel rail outlet to the FPR outlet, and the fuel return hose to the FPR inlet, your car will start, but it will idle terribly and run extremely lean.

Installing a Fuel Pressure Regulator with a Fuel Pump

Next, relieve the fuel pressure by removing the fuel pump fuse and cranking the engine. Then, remove the OEM damper and FPR assembly, and disconnect the vacuum hose. Now, install the new fuel pressure regulator, ensuring the O-ring is in place, and connect the fuel lines and return hose. Secure the vacuum hose to the intake manifold, and adjust the fuel pressure to the recommended level.

It is important to note that the fuel pressure regulator should be mounted at least 100mm away from any significant heat source, and all plumbing should be appropriately secured and the correct size for your application. Additionally, it is recommended to use high-quality fittings to ensure maximum sealing reliability.

Finally, check for any fuel leaks and rectify if necessary. It is also important to ensure that the engine's air-fuel ratio is checked once the fuel pressure is set, as an incorrect setting of fuel pressure may cause the engine to run lean, leading to potential detonation.

Installing a Fuel Pressure Regulator with Fuel Injectors

This guide will take you through the process of installing a fuel pressure regulator with fuel injectors. This process will involve working with fuel lines, so it is important to take the necessary safety precautions, including wearing safety goggles.

The first step is to depressurize the fuel lines. To do this, pull the E/G fuse from the fuse box and crank the engine a few times. Next, locate the fuel pressure regulator. It is usually found next to the air intake box on the passenger side of the vehicle. Once you have located it, remove the two 10mm bolts and loosen the clamp on the fuel line. Slowly wiggle the fuel pressure regulator out, being careful not to damage the vacuum line connected to the intake manifold.

Now, you will need to install the new fuel pressure regulator. Start by threading the fittings for the fuel in and fuel out using Teflon tape. Wrap the tape around the threads of the fittings before tightening them with wrenches. Find a suitable location for the fuel pressure regulator in the engine bay, ensuring that you can still read the pressure regulator gauge for adjustments. Connect the fuel pressure regulator between the fuel pump and carburetor to regulate the pressure properly. If you are using a bypass fuel pressure regulator, link it back to the fuel tank to bleed off excess fuel.

Finally, adjust the base pressure of the fuel pressure regulator. This is done by pushing down on a spring that applies force onto the valve. The adjustment screw can be used to set the base pressure between 30 and 70 PSI, depending on the type of fuel injectors and fuel pump system you are using.

It is important to note that the installation process may vary slightly depending on the specific vehicle and fuel system. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and consult a qualified technician if you are unsure about any part of the installation process.

By following these steps, you will be able to successfully install a fuel pressure regulator with fuel injectors, ensuring a steady fuel supply and proper fuel pressure for your vehicle's fuel injectors.

Frequently asked questions