How to Change a Fuel Regulator

Changing a fuel regulator is not a monumentally hard task. The time involved in changing a fuel regulator takes about an hour. Find the fuel regulators between the fuel pump and the fuel rail or the throttle body. The fuel regulator's only function is to moderate the fuel from the fuel pump to the injectors. A new fuel pressure regulator comes with a gasket and the regulator valve. If the gasket is not with the new part, buy it separately. Always replace the old gasket with a new one when replacing the fuel regulator.

Instructions

1

Use a wrench to disconnect the negative battery cable, identified by a negative sign (-). Any time you are working on the fuel system, always disable the electrical system to prevent a short circuit. You will need a wrench for this task.

2

Release the pressure on the fuel system by loosening the fuel fill cap. Find a pressure relieve valve on the fuel rail on the throttle body. Place a clean rag around the valve to catch the fuel and use a brass punch to release the pressure. Insert the brass punch into the release valve, pressing the valve core in to release the pressure.

3

Disconnect the vacuum line from the pressure regulator and remove the return line from the regulator. Remove the pressure regulator screw, lift, and twist the fuel pressure regulator. Remove the regulator inlet and the fuel return pipe O-ring. Take the old fuel regulator out and lay it aside. This task requires a screwdriver and a socket and ratchet.

4

Lubricate the new O-ring with engine oil. Use a socket and to replace the new retainer bracket to the slot on the fuel rail or throttle body. Add the new pressure regulator to the fuel rail and torque to 13 foot-pounds with the torque wrench. Use a socket to replace the fuel-pressure regulator screw and torque to 75 inch-pounds with the torque wrench. Install the fuel pressure regulator vacuum line.

5

Clean the battery post and cable end and place the cable end into the battery post with a wrench. Inspect the fuel system for leaks by turning the ignition switch on for two or three seconds. Turn the ignition switch off for 10 seconds and if there are no leaks, restart the engine.