I'm trying to figure out one thing. Does a 1999, or any year ZX2 have a fuel pressure regulator? I can't see anything on the rail. There is in fact, a fuel pressure sensor. It seems that the regulator exists, because Ford was more than happy to sell me one. I know this car inside and out, have even had the engine out once, but even though I hold this $100 phantom part in my hand, it does not seem to be attached to the engine, anywhere. My Ford DVD rom manual mentions nothing about this part being on the car either, only the fuel pressure sensor.


Does anyone have any idea?

Thanks!

 

The fuel pressure regulator is usually on the fuel rail, held on with two small bolts. I know that's where it's been on all of my Fords. On the later models, 2004? or so, the fuel pressure regulator was done away with and a variable pressure fuel pump was installed.

 

Earlier, about 1999-2000.
If the fuel system doesn't have a return line (only one fuel line to the rail) then it uses a pressure sensor and the ECM pulses the pump to maintain pressure. (Pulse Width Modulation)

 

After talking to several people and many phone calls, I found out that there is no fuel pressure regulator on these vehicles. And yes, there is no return line, only the line going to the rail.

I'm thinking my long cranking problem may be a check valve in the fuel pump. Unless the pressure sensor can cause this, even though it does not appear to be leaking.

 

Yep, it's the check valve in the pump. I've seen it too many times to count.
Try cycling the key On for 2-3 seconds, then Off, then to Start, to prime the fuel system before cranking. It should start easily then if the check valve is bad.

 

Yep, that's what I have been doing. I cycle the pump a couple times before starting and it fires right up.

I suppose the only fix for the check valve is to replace the fuel pump. So the question is, do I spend the $495 and get one from the dealer that I know will fit and hopefully last another 220,000 miles, or get the parts store one for half the price that is probably made in China and will probably crap out on my in two months like the power door lock actuator they sold me did?

 

I replaced my Mustang's pump years ago with one from Holley. The truth is that this was a pump made by Walbro. Walbro supplied the auto manufactures for years. They are made in the USA too! Just get a stock replacement pump unless you plan to supercharge! Get a real Walbro unit and things should be good! Call around locally to see who might sell them. My Mustang's pump was like only $70.

Walbro Ford High Performance Fuel Pumps and Kits