98 Altima GXE Fuel Pressure Regulator?

[ItzNick Trash]

TLDR: WTF DO I DO ABOUT STUCK/STRIPPED SCREWS HOLDING THE FPR ON?

So my 98 Altima GXE when cold starting would always need either just a little tap on the gas pedal or 2-3 turns of the key to get her started and infrequently, but not at all rarely, at idle it would get a little shaky on me

After some research and brainstorming I came across this thread about a successful repair once having replaced the fuel pressure regulator. Link just below

https://forums.nicoclub.com/success-story-replaced-fuel-pressure-regulator-t589289.html#p6580007

2 days of searching and the only OEM replacements I could find online where a f***ing outrageous nearly $100?!?! Anyone know why the hell that is by chance?

Now the root is my problem is the 2 Phillips head screws holding the regulator in place as despite a number of different tools and approaches I have been unable to make any rotation and only narrowly avoid totally stripping them out . Note: I do not have access to any sort of welder

My sole remaining idea is to cut the regulator free from the mounting surfaces where the screws hold it in place with a Dremel cut off wheel. Then cut away at the remaining surface until I can grab something well enough to turn the rest of the screw out finally I guess? Or possibly just attempt to drill the screw out entirely? With hopes of still being capable of sufficiently mounting the new regulator back in place...

GOT ANY BETTER IDEAS?

Sorry for the novel, just wanted to get all the info I thought might be pertinent in there

Thanks for any suggestions, and wish me luck otherwise,

Fingers Crossed in Oakland, CA
Nick Trash

[VStar650CL]

Tried an impact driver and a hand sledge? I can't recall if those screws are protruding or beveled, but if they protrude, cut a large slot in the head and use a big slot bit in the driver.

[ItzNick Trash]

Finally got it off and changed it out... Still wont start. I'm baffled now, got spark on every plug, pressure at the fuel feed line, no codes for anything at all. I'm beyond frustrated

[VStar650CL]

Back to basics, fuses, injector pulse, MAF, timing, compression.

[macgiver]

Get a digital pulse reading probe .An LED lights up on each pulse to injector using one....OR listen for each injector's clicks ( not ALL gonna be clogged now ! ) . Stethoscope or 3/8 hose ' stethoscope ' is cheap LOL!

Any plugs pulled.....wet w/gas?..... look like gas got " in there " ??

[ItzNick Trash]

Injectors were good... Checked the codes again and suddenly I'm throwing a coolant temp sensor, and the one right on top looked like it was in rough shape just from a glance, so I drop some coolant out and change it and then when I fill it back up I noticed that it's taking a lot more than I drained... Eventually it gets high enough for liquid to starting pouring out of a pair of maybe 5mm holes in the coolant return hose coming off the block on the driver's side. *Facepalm*

Gotta go in the AM to pick up the replacement bit of hose and I'll check back in after that. *Fingers crossed*