pleas read Thanks

Hello.
All you guys and gals with drivabilty problems before you go out and dump a wad of cash for parts PLEASE, PLEASE go get a fuel pressure tester. Most parts stores have them and they do not cost to much.
The time and money waisted on parts that you do not need is well worth the few bucks spent.+ you will have it when you need it again.
Knowing the fuel pressure is 1 of the most important things a Tech needs to know to help fix a problem
Thanks
Fireplug

Good advice. A vacuum gauge can tell you alot too. That's more for internal damage diagnosis, though. I have found the majority of driveability/MIL light issues come from loose, corroded, or broken electrical connections, and/or bad grounds. Checking thses first will save you some headaches, also.

You ever work with any diesels? I'm fascinated by the systems on some of the German diesels. They use fuel pressure to generate more fuel pressure, by having the fuel act on a piston type assembly that compresses a larger volume of fuel in another chamber, just as your master cylinder uses hydraulic principle to amplify your effort at the wheel. The direct injection diesels run in excess of 20,000 lbs of pressure at the injector tip! And if you run one outta fuel, you're screwed. There is a lengthy and costly process to re-prime them.

No I have not. Only GM Diesels and to many of them because they never broke down.

Any time you are going to work on your car you should have some basic testing tools. Test light , vacuum gauge, Timming light,and a dvom (good 1),spark tester, and a injector tester noid light
and a manual for that cars system None of these tools cost that much and you will have them for a very long time. If the Auto field time is money the more time waisted guessing or swaping parts cost everyone money.
Fireplug

couldn't agree more Fire, a noid light, fuel pressure tester, digital multimeter and Vacuum guage/pump are 4 tools no home mechanic should be without.

The direct injection diesels run in excess of 20,000 lbs of pressure at the injector tip! They need every bit of it too. Deisel does not vaporize as easily as gasoline does. And it is also not nearly as clean. Without taht high pressure behind it, it would come out as a solid line of feul that will just sit on the piston, and not combust when compressed. It also needs the high pressure to keep the injectors from clogging. Deisels are very interesting engines if you ask me. :)