Cranks but will not start

Tiny
PMORROW
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 NISSAN SENTRA
  • 1.6L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 100,000 MILES
Car turns over fine will not start. I installed new fuel pump, new complete distributor, new coil pak, new ignition wires. I have a pulse on all four injectors, also have good compression at all four cylinders. I also installed new plugs and I have spark at all four. Can the fuel pressure regulator be doing this?
Sunday, September 2nd, 2018 AT 12:18 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,427 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com.

Honestly, if the regulator is causing the fuel pressure to drop below the manufacturer's specs, yes. Even though you have an injector pulse, there may not be enough pressure to open the injector itself.

Here are general directions showing how to check fuel pressure and a regulator:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Here are the directions and specifications specific to your vehicle for checking pressure and the regulator. All attached pictures correlate with these directions.

___________________________________________

FUEL PRESSURE TEST
Fuel Pump Fuse
NOTE: To obtain an accurate fuel pressure reading the engine must by running. Basic fuel pump operation can be verified in a no start condition by observing gauge reading while cranking engine. Fuel pressure should be approximately 43 psi (294 kPa).

1. Remove fuel pump fuse from underdash fuse box.
2. Start engine.
3. When engine stalls, crank or attempt to restart engine 2 or 3 times to release pressure.
4. Turn ignition switch off and reinstall fuel pump fuse.

NOTE: Steps 1 through 4 are provided to release fuel system pressure to eliminate fuel spray.
5. Disconnect fuel line from fuel filter and connect a suitable pressure gauge as shown.
6. Disconnect and plug vacuum line from fuel pressure regulator. Connect vacuum pump to pressure regulator.
7. Start engine and idle.
8. Fuel pressure should be approx. 43 psi (294 kPa). If pressure is correct proceed to step 10, if not OK continue.
9. Using pliers, gently pinch fuel return line at fuel rail. If fuel pressure rises to approx. 43 psi (294 kPa) pressure regulator is defective. If pressure still is low or did not change, check fuel filter before replacing pump.
10. Slowly apply vacuum to the pressure regulator while watching fuel pressure.
11. Fuel pressure should decrease as vacuum increases, down to approx. 33 psi (226 kPa) at 20 in.Hg.
12. If fuel pressure does not respond to the application of vacuum, check fuel return line for restriction prior to replacing fuel pressure regulator.
_______________________________________

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Sunday, September 2nd, 2018 AT 8:37 PM
Tiny
PMORROW
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Yes, I greatly appreciate your help. I will be in touch soon. You are a Blessing. Thanks, Paul Joshua 1:9
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Monday, September 3rd, 2018 AT 11:27 AM
Tiny
PMORROW
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Sir, I forgot to mention that on this same vehicle I had to replace a fuel injector approximately two months ago, the car had a miss. Could this regulator being faulty contributed to that as well? I greatly appreciate the help. Paul
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Monday, September 3rd, 2018 AT 11:44 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,427 POSTS
Hi, Paul. With today's cars, anything is possible. With that being said, yes it could have been part of the issue.

Hope you had a nice labor day.
Take care,
Joe
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Monday, September 3rd, 2018 AT 7:12 PM

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