Hi.
If you have been told to replace the fuel pump, then there was likely a problem with fuel pressure. In that case, if fuel pump has been replaced, then the problem is either fuel pressure regulator or a vacuum leak.
Fuel pressure can be tested using a gauge like this :
Lisle 20300 Vacuum Gauge and Fuel Pump. Use the gauge following the instructions below
With the ignition turned ON and the fuel pump running, the pressure indicated by the fuel pressure gauge must read about 55-62 psi . The spring located inside the fuel pressure regulator determines the fuel pressure.
If the fuel pressure is dropping more than 5 psi in ten minutes, that means that there is a leak located in one or more of the following areas:
- Fuel pump check valve
- Fuel pump flex pipe
- Pressure regulator
- Fuel injectors
If the fuel system drops more than 2 psi in 10 minute after pressure is relieved to 10 psi then there is a leaking fuel pump check valve.
If the fuel pressure drops-off during acceleration, cruise, or hard cornering it will cause a lean condition (too much air in the mixture. The lean condition will result in loss of power, surging, or misfire. You can diagnose a lean condition using a scan tool. It an extremely lean condition occurs check the vacuum system for leaks.
When the engine is at idle, the manifold pressure is low. This low pressure is applied to the fuel pressure regulator diaphragm. The low pressure will offset the pressure being applied to the fuel pressure regulator diaphragm by the spring inside the fuel pressure regulator. When this happens, the result is lower fuel pressure. The fuel pressure at idle should always be less than the fuel pressure noted in step 2 with the engine OFF.
A rich condition may result from the fuel pressure being above 427 kPa (62 psi) . A rich condition may result in codes P0132, P0152, P0172 or P0175. Driveability conditions associated with rich conditions include hard starting followed by black smoke and sulfur smell in the exhaust.
Problem is likely fuel pressure regulator. Do the test above and test the vacuum system. Big vacuum leaks can be spotted because of the hissing sound. Smaller leaks are detected using the same gauge used for fuel pressure. After placing gauge in fuel lines, read pressure while spraying carb cleaner on vacuum hoses. If there is a leak, then pressure will go up.
If that is not the problem, then mass airflow sensor,throttle position sensor,air idle sensor,map
sensor,crank sensor with shim, rotor and distributor cap,plug
wires,coil are all parts that must be tested.
If pressure regulator has not been replaced, then the problem is more likely vacuum leak or the fuel pressure regulator leaking fuel into the intake.
The fuel pressure regulator is located inside the intake manifold. The part is indicated as number 6 in the picture below:
Regards.
Ginko