Hi All,

I need your help here. Do I need a fuel regulator for my rig?

Here are the specs:
-1990 4runner
-3.0
-Manual (was automatic)
-Fuel Cell
-MSD Fuel pump (in line) http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MSD-2225/


Before I downed the runner to do some mods it was working fine. I never would have thought of a regulator. When I got it running and took it to the trails 3 weeks ago it kept sputtering and bogging down like the pump wasnt giving enough psi or something . That same day, I decided to go home as it wasn't fun anymore and noticed that the drive home was fine. So I decided to hit another trail and it worked fine like it used to. I went ahead and ordered another pump (since I thought it was a pump issue).

This past sunday I took it to the trail again to have a little fun (same old fuel pump) and it's working fine. Does anyone know what the problem could be and or if I need a fuel regulator?

Thanks in advance!

 

In my experience, and from what I know about them, when the regulator goes bad, it goes bad. It doesn't start going in and out intermittently. Maybe you just got some bad fuel? When's the last time you serviced the fuel filter?

 

About a year and a half ago. But I'll change that out since it seems like a good idea to do it anyway.

 

Well, it may not be what's going on, but I guess it's a good idea.

 

my experience is the exact opposite, when it goes bad it cuts in and out like at a stop light it might stop working at idle

could also be the fuel pump, have a friend turn the key on and see if you hear the fuel pump prime, if it doesnt, hit the tank with your hand and see if that fixes it, if it does, then you need a new pump

 

what was the reasoning for installing the MSD fuel pump as apposed to a stock replacement pump?

that MSD fuel pump is providing the right PSI; it's rated at 40 PSI, and the stock should be anywhere from 38 - 44, so that's good. I can imagine that it's probably more than the stock flow rate, but a higher flow rate is fine as long as the PSI is in the right range


I'd replace that pressure regulator; I've seen them do BOTH things you guys are talking about... just go out and quite all at once, AND be intermittent until finally quitting

 

I'm using an RCI fuel cell with no whole for a fuel pump so I had to get an in-line pump(easier access too ).

I would like to replace the regulator... can someone please tell me where it is? Lol, I'm clueless when it comes to fuel and ignition systems.

Thanks in advance!

 

Lol, I like your troubleshoot. Easy and cheap!

 

ah okay, got cha

download the FSM from the link in my sig and it should tell you all you need to know about the regulator

the regulator should be on the fuel rail; for a 3.0, I couldn't tell you exactly where, but more than likely on the passenger side, because that's the side the fuel line runs on

 

It's on the driver's side for the 3vze. Right on the front corner at the top motor just to the inside of the valve cover. One vacuum line at the top of the regulator, and two fuel line.......one delivery and one return.

Picture page......
http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-b...89fuelpres.pdf

 

^ that works too

thanks thook

 

Thanks all!! This info is golden!

I'll let you know how things go.