Doesn't Start

I think it may be fuel delivery because when I changed the fuel filter yesterday, the system was already depressurized. What should I check and how? What likely needs replacing?

Thanks

[LancerShelby]

Give somemore info.. Does it turn over, sputter, what's the fuel pressure, ignition system in good shape? Try disconnecting the computer first by pulling the black quick disconnect plug that runs over the ribbed intake piece off the postive terminal. Give'er 15mins, hook it back up and try the car again. Worked on "Beowulf"s Lebaron when it was running like crap.

It turns over fine, and I don't think it's the ignition because I checked the output while it was turning over, and all the spark plug wires are getting power, connected to new spark plugs too. I do know, however, that the timing is probably a little off.

But like I said, yesterday when I tried to depressurize it, it was FULLY depressurized already. How do I check the pressure anyways?

[macncheese]

check the fuel pressure with a fuel pressure gauge. screw it into the schrader valve on the fuel rail, then crank the car. the rail should hold pressure, about 53 to 55 psi. if it stays up, look elsewhere. if it goes back down, it could be the check valve in the pump, doubtful that that would cause it to not start. or it could be the pressure hose on the pump, like mine. it split and wouldn't send enough gas to the rail. if it's too low, check the regulator by crimping the return line with a pair of grips (you can protect it with old heater hose. if the gauge spikes, the regulator is bad. if it doesn't spike, the pump is not putting out enough pressure and needs to be replaced. if you don't have a guage, you can depress the schrader valve with a key. i think 55psi is eqaul to about 12 inches of sprayed gas, or just enough to get in your eye you can also poor some gas (just a little) or carb cleaner directly into the throttle body. if that doesn't get her started, check elsewhere. if it starts and then dies, definately fuel.
hope this helps
tony

[LancerShelby]

You don't need to crank it to see fuel pressure, just go to "run". The fuel pump should prime the system momentarily. It might not give you a full 55psi, but at least 40.

Well, I picked up a fuel pressure tester today and this is what I found:

I screwed it in and put it to "run" and the pressure jumped up a little to maybe 5 psi. When I actually cranked it over though, I got 49 psi, with the pressure creeping back down extremely slowly. Shouldn't the fuel rail always hold pressure, even when the car is off overnight? In any case, This obviously isn't what is causing it not to start.

....Soooo, The ignition timing, like I said, is almost certainly way off.... should I just follow the instructions in the haynes manual, turn the distributor, and see if I can get her started?

sooooo, I discovered a fuel leak, which is why the pressure goes down slowly. I took a pic of where its leaking from. It seems to be dripping from under the silver canister (green arrow) I believe that is the fuel pressure regulator... correct? I don't know if its leaking out of it. I can't see what is underneath it, but it may be something seperate.



Remember, this is an 87, so its a 2 piece intake. The blue arrow is the valve cover, and the red one is the injector for cyl. 1.


Thoughts?