89 XJ With No Pressure at Fuel Rail

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Aug 10, 2013 | 10:58 PM
  #1  
Hey smart people,

My '89 XJ had been running rough for a couple of months and then wanted to stall out a few times recently so I decided to do more than the usual tune-up by testing and cleaning the injectors as well as replacing fuel pressure regulator.

Injectors passed ohm test, cleaned out well and function as they should. They got new o rings and installed without a problem along with the regulator.

Problem is that afterwards, there was no fuel pressure at the rail. I cycled the key several times as discussed on multiple other threads discussing similar phenomenon, but no change. I also jumped the fuel pump relay terminals to try to force more than a couple seconds of run time from the pump and although that did run the pump longer, the pressure did not change.

I went as far as to install new fuel pump (stupid) and no change whatsoever. The inline filter is brand new too so that wasn't suspect. Last thing I did was pull connector off rail to see if there was flow and there is definitely a nice heavy stream of fuel getting as far as the rail, but pressure does not build up.

What am I using for a tester? A small screwdriver in the schrader valve, of course. Mostly because I can't afford a gauge right now, but with either air or just a dribble of fuel coming from valve, it's pretty clear that something is wrong and I don't need a gauge to tell me.

Well that should cover most of the initial questions that might come my way.

Any and all help greatly appreciated because I am slowly going insane with this one.

Thanks!
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Aug 11, 2013 | 03:09 AM
  #2  
Pull the vacuum line off of the regulator. Look and smell for gas
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Aug 11, 2013 | 06:54 AM
  #3  
Does it not start ...could just be screwed up Schrader valve also there plenty of fuel in tank correct..gotta ask..
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Aug 11, 2013 | 12:18 PM
  #4  
Quote: Does it not start ...could just be screwed up Schrader valve also there plenty of fuel in tank correct..gotta ask..
Fuel in the tank, does not start and I forgot to mention that the schrader valve was functioning just fine at the beginning of the project when I released the pressure for rail and injector removal.
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Aug 11, 2013 | 12:27 PM
  #5  
Quote: Pull the vacuum line off of the regulator. Look and smell for gas
There is fuel in the vacuum line.

While on the subject, there was a brief moment that I had it running with Vacuum line disconnected from regulator and as soon as I put it back on, it died. Never to be started again.

At that point, I thought the regulator may be bad so I changed back to the old one which I knew was functioning, but no change. Still won't run.

Thanks
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Aug 11, 2013 | 05:29 PM
  #6  
Problem Solved
Rather than letting this thread end without the solution being posted, I thought I'd help out anybody who may be experiencing the same problem.

Turns out that the new fuel pump was making noise as it should, but only pumping fuel some of the time. I know, I don't get it either, but I did thorough testing outside of the fuel tank and that baby was F.A.U.L.T.Y. faulty!

Installed old fuel pump, jumped the connection points on relay long enough to bleed air from schrader valve and it started right up first shot.

Airtex Part # E7006 bought at Autozone and not only did it not fit the housing very well, it pretty much sucks s#!t when it comes to the whole pumping of fuel thing. At least mine did.

Thanks!
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Aug 11, 2013 | 08:42 PM
  #7  
Quote: Rather than letting this thread end without the solution being posted, I thought I'd help out anybody who may be experiencing the same problem.

Turns out that the new fuel pump was making noise as it should, but only pumping fuel some of the time. I know, I don't get it either, but I did thorough testing outside of the fuel tank and that baby was F.A.U.L.T.Y. faulty!

Installed old fuel pump, jumped the connection points on relay long enough to bleed air from schrader valve and it started right up first shot.

Airtex Part # E7006 bought at Autozone and not only did it not fit the housing very well, it pretty much sucks s#!t when it comes to the whole pumping of fuel thing. At least mine did.

Thanks!
Airtex. Imagine that!!!!!
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Jan 7, 2018 | 01:58 PM
  #8  
what was the original problem ?
what was original problem ? you replaced the Fuel Pump for a reason, not just to put it back in. there had to be original problem to cause there to be no pressure at rail. is it still running fine ?
Ok so I have the same problem. once it wouldn't start and I dinked around and thought I'd accidentally fixed the problem. Then she died on the freeway, No pressure at fuel rail, no sound coming from pump. I replaced Fuel Pump assembly "Fuel Pump/regulator" with Bosch Unit; 99 is a full assembly.
Ran fine all week then died Saturday luckily on my home block.
no pressure at fuel rail, plugs have spark
exceptionally bad timing being that mt Cadillac tranny started slipping on friday and now my jeep is in the street down the block the next day

i know this is years old but i didnt see a definitive conclusion
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Oct 9, 2020 | 02:58 PM
  #9  
Quote: what was original problem ? you replaced the Fuel Pump for a reason, not just to put it back in. there had to be original problem to cause there to be no pressure at rail. is it still running fine ?
Ok so I have the same problem. once it wouldn't start and I dinked around and thought I'd accidentally fixed the problem. Then she died on the freeway, No pressure at fuel rail, no sound coming from pump. I replaced Fuel Pump assembly "Fuel Pump/regulator" with Bosch Unit; 99 is a full assembly.
Ran fine all week then died Saturday luckily on my home block.
no pressure at fuel rail, plugs have spark
exceptionally bad timing being that mt Cadillac tranny started slipping on friday and now my jeep is in the street down the block the next day

i know this is years old but i didnt see a definitive conclusion

I know this is still old but I just wanted to fish for some answers. Did you or the original poster come to a conclusion? If someone sees this thread in a few years and it still doesn’t have a response, please add one for future ppl who run across this.
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Oct 10, 2020 | 12:34 PM
  #10  
The OP hasn't posted in about 6 years, and the other person that dragged up this zombie hasn't posted in 2. I'm pretty sure they are not going to respond. Maybe, but don't hold your breath.

Zombies aren't welcome most places.



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Oct 11, 2020 | 08:40 AM
  #11  
Many times the real problem is the rubber hose from the pump inside the tank is messed up, split, loose etc.
That coulda been the OP's problem in the first place.
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Oct 11, 2020 | 01:32 PM
  #12  
Yes, or just a bunch of grunge in the tank. Troubleshoot first, then buy parts.

Heh. My son just proved this with his Ford. Bought a $200 starter and broke a bolt trying to replace it when he needed an $80 NSS. Shoulda asked Dad!
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