I'm looking to install a new fuel pressure regulator. I know there are official ways to drain the fuel system before installing, however I don't have official cans/tools to do this.

I've heard you can simply take the fuse out of the fuel pump, run the car and the car will naturally run out of gas. Once I've installed the pressure regulator, put the fuse back in and turn the ignition to slot II to repressurize the system.

Anyone know if this works on a Volvo (2001 S40) as it seems like an easy way to do it.

 

When changing my fuel filter, I did something similar. I disconnected the electrical connection to the fuel pump and then ran the engine until it died. Then, I tried to crank it a couple more times to make sure all of the fuel was through. I think I also opened the fuel cap to relieve pressure inside the tank.

 

If you FPR is bad after it sits for a while there won't be any pressure left.

 

Thanks. I'm not 100% sure it's a bad FPR, but the car is having starting problems very similar to others i've read where the FPR solves the problem. The battery works fine, so thought this would be a cheap, easy way to see. If not, I have a brand new FPR.

 

Have you pulled the vaccum line off yet to see if there is gas in it?

 

I just replaced my FPR the other day. I finally got the time to do it, and the extra time just in case I didn't do it right! I decided to buy the entire unit with plastic housing and vacuum tube. When I got the FPR off, I saw the culprit, that vacuum line cracked on one of the rubber endpieces. I replaced everything, and my s40 started up immediately.

To drain, I took out the fuse for the pump, then ran it till it shut off. Then I surrounded the fuel rail pressure release valve with paper towels and let it drain. It wasn't that much gas to worry about. Do it however when the engine is cold!

Advice: Pull off the vacuum hose with your hands (or pliers carefully) and check that only that is not causing the problem. You could save yourself about $95!

Bet Regards!

 

Thanks. I haven't looked at the vacuum hose. I'm new to a lot of this stuff, especially fuel system,so don't always know what to look for.