My fuel mileage has been unstable lately and I noticed a rich smell out of my exhaust pipe, threw a gauge on test port on rail and had 65psi at idle, unhooked vacuuming going to regulator and needle flickered a quick second but stayed at 65psi. Shouldn't it have rose 5-10 I have been reading? Does this seem normal or is my regulator bad, if so my next question would be how do I get the quick disconnect piece off the ruber hose connected to the regulator??? Engine is a 2.5 in 98 ranger. Truck is sitting in garage waiting .

 

At 65 PSI, the fuel pressure is exactly where it should be. Your mechanical returnless fuel system provides a constant pressure to the fuel rail that does not vary with vacuum. For 98+ Rangers, the Fuel Pressure Regulator is inside the gas tank. The hose you pulled is on the Fuel Pulse Damper.

 

Wow this is what really makes these forums and places like this useful, people like you!! I would have never guessed that, a fuel pulse damper, wat the hell? Anyways from what I described, your telling me m engine is operating normally and everything is ok in that department?

 

I wouldn't go that far but I do think that your fuel pressure is OK.

 

Well right, but ill check O2 sensor operation & what not, glad fuel is most likely fine. I had a p0133 code, 02 sensor slow to respond bank 1 sensor 1. Maybe that sensor is starting to get weak

 

Am I the only one that read "fuel pulse damper" and immediately thought something Star Wars related?