Is the fuel rail dampener attached to the fuel rail?

Tiny
VIBINGJAY
  • MEMBER
  • 2009 PONTIAC VIBE
  • 2.4L
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
Or is it a separate part? I need to replace the fuel rail dampener, but the part is discontinued. So, I was wondering if I need to replace the whole fuel rail if I can't get that specific part.
Wednesday, March 8th, 2023 AT 1:33 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

The fuel pressure pulsation damper is mounted to the fuel rail. I attached the directions below for removal and replacement which include pics.

Next, have you tried checking online for the part? For example, places like eBay often have sellers that provide good parts like this which are used. Also, there may be an aftermarket part manufactured. Have you tried a parts store and not the dealer?

If you have tried all the aforementioned places, you may need to find one in a salvage yard.

Let me know what I can do to help.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Wednesday, March 8th, 2023 AT 8:03 PM
Tiny
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Thanks a lot. This information was very helpful. I wasn't able to find the dampener, but I found a fuel rail on eBay that matched my vehicle. I will probably end up taking it to an auto shop to have it put on because it's in a hard-to-reach area.
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Thursday, March 9th, 2023 AT 11:27 AM
Tiny
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Hi,

You are very welcome. If I can do anything to help, let me know.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, March 9th, 2023 AT 8:28 PM
Tiny
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I was able to find an exact match fuel rail for my car. Does the damper pull out or twist out from the rail? I took off the 2 bolts but it's still really tight in there and I don't want to damage the fuel rail.
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Wednesday, March 15th, 2023 AT 10:13 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

There are only the two bolts. Once they are removed, you will gently twist the damper while pulling it out. There is an O-ring that will need replaced. Make sure to lubricate it before you install it per the directions I attached below.

If the damper is extremely tight, you may want to spray a good penetrating fluid where it is attached. Corrosion can build up and cause this to happen.

Let me know how you make out. Also, I attached the directions below.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Thursday, March 16th, 2023 AT 6:19 PM
Tiny
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It says to disconnect fuel main tube and remove air cleaner cap with hose. I uploaded some pics. Which one is the fuel main tube in picture 1. And is that the air cleaner cap with hose in picture 2?
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Friday, March 17th, 2023 AT 8:10 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

Yes, to pic 2. As far as pic 1, I am having a hard time acclimating myself as far as positioning. There should be two, a supply and a return. What is causing me trouble is the positioning. Also, it appears someone has changed the connectors.

In the pic, number 2 appears to be a vent tube (PCV) for the engine. Is that attached to the valve cover? If so, that isn't what we are looking for.

I found a very generic pic of the supply line and attached it below. Note the quick connector and not the location of the throttle body (I put TB on it).

Do you see anything in that area that looks like the picture?

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.
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Friday, March 17th, 2023 AT 9:14 PM
Tiny
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Okay, I think I see it now. I updated the pictures. So, do I discharge the fuel pressure where I circled #1? And then disconnect the fuel line where I circled #2?
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Saturday, March 18th, 2023 AT 7:36 AM
Tiny
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Hi,

That is the air conditioning pressure line. Don't discharge or remove it.

As far as releasing the pressure, the manual indicates to access the fuel pump through a port in the floor under the rear seat. The pump is disconnected from power and then you start the engine and allow it to run until the fuel runs out. See pic below.

The concern is the fuel pressure. It will spray fuel if not done this way. You could wrap the damper with a towel and slowly remove it. The towel should catch the fuel. Just protect your eyes.

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, March 18th, 2023 AT 2:54 PM
Tiny
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Can I remove the 'fuel pump relay' fuse under the driver’s side fuse block and then start the engine? Would that work as an alternative?
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Saturday, March 18th, 2023 AT 5:32 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

It absolutely should. LOL Why didn't I think of that? I suspect I'm just getting old. LOL

Take care and let me know the results.

Joe
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Saturday, March 18th, 2023 AT 9:18 PM
Tiny
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Okay, I finally replaced the part. No leaks so far. It's running fine.
Thanks for all of your help.
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Thursday, March 23rd, 2023 AT 6:56 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

Thanks for the update and you are very welcome. I'm glad to know it is working for you.

Feel free to come back anytime in the future. You are always welcome.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, March 23rd, 2023 AT 7:36 PM

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