No fuel rail pressure

Getting 0 psi on the fuel rail Inlet. During reassembly I accidentally stripped the threads in the fuel Inlet pipe where the big bolt screws in. Would this big bolt not being screwed in all the way affect fuel rail pressure? The rail is getting fuel and there are no leaks. The gauge is reading 0 PSI. I know the gauge works because I tested fuel rail pressure before I redid the gaskets on my 3.1 GM 2000 Chevy Malibu. Needless to say the car isn't starting

How important is fuel pressure when starting the car? The fuel rail is clearly getting fuel yet I'm getting 0 psi.
Getting spark and compression so it's leading me to a fuel issue


I did change the crank position sensor because it broke off when doing my timing cover gasket. But I am getting an RPM signal so that lets me know that the ignition is doing its job on that front.

EDIT: let me also add that the inlet rail is secure, as I heard the O ring *pop* into place. So how could the retaining bolt affect pressure? The fuel rail bolt only screws in about 1/4 Ways in. After some brief research pressure seems to be critical in starting. So this seems to be my issue.


I anticipated either having to replace the fuel rail and fuel Inlet line due to a potential leak which doesn't exist or other problem (such as this one)

Can you hear the fuel pump running to prime the system when you turn the key on? If you can't hear it run for a couple of seconds try banging on the tank below where the pump is this might just get the pump running. If no response not start by checking the fuel pump fuse, after that see if the pump runs when you jumper the relay N.B. Take great care to jump the correct pins

Yep. Fuel pump is running. Forgot to mention

Would the fuel rail retaining bolt not being properly screwed in all the way affect pressure though the line is in all the way?

If so I may hit the junkyard tomorrow. This aluminum stuff seems very fragile

I did read in the service manual if replacing crank sensor a relearn procedure needs to be done but not sure if that affects starting

your getting 0 psi? the pump is running? does this have the 2 fuel lines that run by the master cylinder? I think I seen where a guy did the upper intake and lower he kinked those fuel lines it was in a Pontiac.

0 psi. I've tried cycling key on and off multiple times to no avail. Made sure that the gauge was plugged in all way. I can clearly hear the pump running for a sec or two on each key on. Yes, two lines near master cylinder. I'll check for kinks tomorrow.

you will need one of the quick connect tools to release the fuel lines. that is where the problem will be. once you get them off turn key on should see fuel spray out. let us know what you find

Thing is I'm clearly getting fuel from the Schrader valve. So that at least tells me the fuel pump is delivering fuel. Something seems to be up with the pressure. I definitely didn't see kinks but Will check again

thought the gauge read 0? just trying to follow along....

0 psi. fuel comes out the valve. I'm going to rent another gauge from Autozone just to he sure though but last Checked psi was in spec. Prior to gasket changes

Donnyten wrote: 0 psi. fuel comes out the valve. I'm going to rent another gauge from Autozone just to he sure though but last Checked psi was in spec. Prior to gasket changes

Pressurized fuel comes out of the valve? :huh: Then I think you're right to doubt your gauge. Let us know how the next gauge does?

Just to be clear, this is the fitting that got damaged, right?

Yep. Gonna report back once I getta 'nother gauge. And yes. That fitting, and bolt, are more or less damaged right now. We're talkin' shredded aluminum damaged.


Screws in about 1/4 ways and stops. But line is 'in there'. If that makes any sense

I gotcha! I figure there's gotta be SOME kind of connection there, otherwise we wouldn't see fuel at the other end of the rail.

The GM adapter in my pressure test kit is kinda janky - the little nipple in the adapter is bent, and occasionally won't depress the Schrader valve when installed. Possible that something similar happened?

I guess if you wanted to confirm a fuel delivery problem while you're waiting for AZ, you could add some carb clean to the intake? See if it at least fires.

I'm gonna try that too. I'm spraying the stuff in the throttle, fully opened while cranking?

It's also possible my fitting could be effed up. Just don't see how that happened in a span of 3 weeks but I guess just about any things possible

It's been awhile since I have worked on one of these engines, but is there a chance the fuel supply and return lines at the quick connect fittings somehow got swapped? I don't remember off the top of my head if the lines are different sizes.

Okay. Now I'm not getting any more fuel from the fuel rail at all and the rented fuel pressure gauge gives me 0 psi. Sprayed starter fluid and the car started right up revved high and shut off so I'm going to chase a fuel related issue now. I'm going to check to see if there's any kinks in the line. I can clearly hear the fuel pump engaging for 2 seconds. Key on

Checked the fuel Inlet line disconnected with only a few visible dents. Not enough to cause an obstruction. In fact with the line disconnected there is absolutely no fuel coming out thou I hear the pump running. Only residual fuel from when it last ran was released when I disconnected the line. Hoping this is just a simple obstruction and that I need a fuel filter change..even though I changed the filter a year ago. Funny thing is I got a little fuel from the fuel rail yesterday. So either it seems like the pump has grown weak or there's some obstruction that needs attention

There is fuel in the tank?

Yep

unhook the fuel filter line the quick connect goes back right to the fuel pump. should be a green quick connect turn key on see if anything comes out. also maybe try banging on the fuel tank while somebody cranks the engine. the fuel filter behind the canister on these??

Yep.. That was in my itinerary. We'll see what happens