Fuel Problems in my J30... HELP!!!!

[djjumbles]

Ok, I know a little about cars (restored an old 66 chevelle, etc.), so I know my way around an engine compartment, but I have no idea what the heck is going on with this...

At first, I smelled gas in the engine compartment and in the air ducts and my car would have a "dead" spot in the accelerator between 2000 and 2300 rpms where I got NO power, but once it wound up higher than 2300, it would kick the pig and scoot.

I identified that gas was leaking from a silver inline object that intersects the fuel line and has a 1/8" (metric, whatever) vacuum line coming off of it that runs down to a sensor block on the driver's side of the block. There is also a fuel line that runs into the top and another that runs from the side of the silver unit. (How did they use rubber hose touching hot metal and not expect dry-rot issues?) This sensor block also has another line going to the intake past the air filter and an electronic connector that attaches to it. The fuel was leaking out of the 1/8" line and the bottom of the silver thing (pressure sensor, fuel sensor???). I noticed that the line was cracked near the fitting, so I took the line off and reversed it since it was only 2 inches long and the crack was over the nipple when the hose was reversed.

Eureka!!! No gas smell, no hesitation in the accelerator, but now my car runs rich as hell (100 miles for a half-tank) and worse, it wont start until you turn it over for 30 seconds and it is rough to say the least. You can smell the richness in the exhaust.

Ok, so... here's the questions: 1) WHAT is the silver thing so that I can replace it?2) Why did the car start acting differently when all I did was replace the vaccuum line? (I reversed it back and the car still runs the same as when I changed it the first time, just leaks gas...so now it just runs horribly, but no leak)3) What is that sensor on the side of the block and is it supposed to have gas going into it through that smaller line off the silver thing(sensor, or whatever?!?!?!)?

My suspicion is that I will need to replace the silver thing and the sensor. I dont know squat about new cars or fuel injection, but I know that the car is driving me nuts at this point. HELP!!!!

[gr8scott72]

Is it the fuel pressure regulator? A picture would be helpful.

[dark3nough]

So they smelled me coming I'm having the same problem, (fuel at roughly the same amount of disproportion) - 100 miles = half tank crap. You evidently know more about cars than I do, but I fell for my car like a fat guy in a strip club would for a dancer, and she's getting all my money. Anyway, my diagnosis, from trial and error, leads me to think you may want to investigate around the catalytic converter. Here are the list of events. Since September 2006.

1. Smelled Gas and Black smoke -with engine lag- I replaced the exhaust manifolds(both sides) - bought a whole spare engine $750 plus labor because I knew I'd be dedicated to the task

2. Smelled Gas Again - took the car to the mechanic where the mechanic was thoroughly sprayed - I like to say my car pee'd on him. Hose stolen from the old engine replaced on the one in my car. $250

3. 2 days later - Car dies in the snow (while driving) Mechanic sugguests, a bigger battery, because after all haven't you seen all the lights when you open the door.. biggest battery Autozone offers bought and 2 days later car dies again. $450 later alternator replaced by Midas mechanic - cash payment.

4. Growling Sound - hole in exhaust pipe ( passenger side) - appears when people speak about j30 exhaust, they exclude the side - pisses me off 80$ under the table to the same Midas mechanic. Putting his kids through school

5. Fuel problem remains (reduced black smoke however) no more gas smell either - throughout this whole process, what's it now? March Madness? I don't even wanna go anywhere,... anymore , My friends tell me to sale, but I'm all in.. now! Me and Mr Midas - cash only guy - talk it out. Tire Rod, Tire alignment, Fuel Filter, Air Filter, Radiator Plug, Spark Plugs I picked out, and exhaust bracket removal - passenger side- (I had the under the car idle, metal clang noise going on) $350.

03/19/07 - plans to have a mechanic test the fuel injectors, because I'm running out of *beep* to fix - and if the car runs this good when broken, lord knows I wanna see what it'll do when fixed.

6. Then I read it.. - yesterday- 03/24/07

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/...r.htm(because I don't know enough about cars in general)

http://www.howstuffworks.com/question482.htm(this shows all of the symptoms of bad gas mileage, hestitation, and my favorite another exhaust problem.)

In the next month, I'll let you know if this fixes my problem.

If not I'm on to the fuel injectors..

If you find out your problem don't be ashamed to write it up here.. I'll be waiting..

[driftkaztik]

i would have that looked at if you cant fix it your self. the older VG30es for the m30, z31 300s, and s12 200sx had a recall kuz the fuel can get caught on fire.

but if its just wear and tare type of issue, replace the hose or go to the STEALERship and have them look it up in the FAST system what part that is.

anything with fuel.. i suggest taking care of it right away.

[DominickJ30]

Sounds like the pressure regulator diaphragm is leaking. I would replace the unit right away.

[VG30DE]

Your really don't want to mess around with fuel.

One of the few things on cars that CANNOT be ignored!