Most first-time car owners believe that the only car parts that can have significant effects if damaged are the engine and the gearbox. Some parts are forgotten, one of these parts is the fuel pressure regulator.
The fuel pressure regulator is highly susceptible to failure which most of the time results in it getting stuck closed. Such a scenario can have side effects on your engine if not dealt with in time.
When the fuel pressure regulator gets stuck closed the pressure inside builds up and the effect is the injectors deliver more fuel than needed. This means the mixture will show up in the combustion chambers with higher pressure, this kind of mixture is also called a rich mixture.
The good thing is that repairs for a fuel pressure regulator are not in any way hard or complicated if the repairman knows what to do.
As the fuel injectors drive fuel into engine chambers for combustion, there needs to be some sought of regulation to prevent flooding. This is where the fuel pressure regulator comes in, it manages the amount of fuel supplied to the chamber at each particular time.
Aside from the fuel supply, the fuel pressure regulator controls the pressure as well. It is basically at the helm of all the oil that goes into the chamber during combustion. It can be found in practically every car that employs the internal combustion engine model.
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How Does The Fuel Pressure Regulator Work?
The conditions under which an engine is driving at a particular stage in the journey will determine the amount of fuel needed to propel it. These fuel amounts are calculated and controlled by the fuel pressure regulator.
The regulator works through a series of mechanical diaphragms which are aided by a vacuum concept to alter the fuel pressure to the required amount as the needs vary.
Modern car models however bear electronic fuel regulators which are a little different from the mechanical ones in multiple aspects.
What Causes A Fuel Pressure Regulator To Get Stuck Closed?
The most probable cause for this kind of problem is poor maintenance of the fuel regulator. If the regulator is left at the mercy of wear and tear then some parts are bound to give in and the result is the occurrence of scenarios like these.
Installation of poor-quality parts is another reason your fuel pressure regulator might get stuck closed. If you must replace your fuel regulator, do it at an accredited repair shop and insist on the best spare parts there are, and be prepared to pay.
Symptoms Of A Stuck Fuel Pressure Regulator
Check Engine Light Is On
Most cars have sensors in almost every sensitive car part to detect faults. It is wise to heed any warning displayed on your dashboard as it is a reflection of what is happening down there.
As with almost every car problem, a stuck fuel pressure regulator will most probably be detected by car sensors and displayed on the dashboard for you.
When the regulator gets stuck, the pressure in the regulator will rise and this will trigger the car sensor. It is the first sign in modern cars for when things go bad.
The Exhaust Will Emit Black Smoke
When the fuel pressure regulator gets stuck closed, it will cause more than needed fuel to enter the combustion chambers. The combustion of too-rich fuel results in black smoke which is released through the exhaust pipe.
A quick examination of the smoke coming out of your car’s exhaust pipe will tell you the condition of your fuel pressure regulator.
Soot On Spark Plugs
A stuck closed fuel pressure regulator allows for the combustion of too-rich fuel. This kind of fuel creates very dark soot which sometimes manifests in the spark plug.
If you suspect your pressure regulator has issues, check the spark plug for spots of soot. If there are, know that apart from the regulator, you will have to replace the spark plug as well.
Engine Backfires
Stuck fuel regulators allow too much and too rich fuel to flow into the combustion chamber. Sometimes this fuel becomes too much for the engine to handle and some of it is not combusted.
The excess fuel is delivered to the exhaust pipe which is also not built to handle that much fuel at once. You can tell by the loud bangs that emanate from the exhaust pipe as the excess fuel gets ignited in the combustion chamber.
How Do You Unstick A Fuel Pressure Regulator?
The most important point to note when cleaning a fuel pressure regulator is that you should not immerse it in solvent for washing. This could damage the filter screen-this will immediately warrant replacement.
What Happens If The Fuel Pressure Regulator Is Stuck Closed?
The pressure in the regulator builds up and more fuel flows into the combustion chamber. The fuel can be described to be a high mixture and is not safe for the engine.
Can You Drive With A Stuck Fuel Pressure Regulator?
There is a probability that the engine will not start due to a stuck closed regulator but the chances are mild. You can drive short distances with a stuck closed fuel pressure regulator but keep in mind that the more you retain the faulty regulator, the more it contaminates your fuel.
Costs Of Fixing A Stuck Fuel Pressure Regulator
Repairing a fuel pressure regulator is almost impossible. Regulators in older models might be repairable but in modern cars, the most appropriate solution is a replacement.
The cost depends on the make and model with the cheapest going for $60 and some costing as high as $400.
If the mechanic works on the regulator alone, it should take them around an hour, the cost for labor is around $75\hour.
Bottom line
The fuel pressure regulator might not be the most talked-about car part but from the discussion above, its importance in the car’s smooth operation is unquestionable. The effects a stuck closed regulator has on your car are slow but very expensive.
As you worry about the engine, worry about other parts that could harm the engine like a stuck closed fuel pressure regulator.
