1999 Malibu 2.4 hard start

[Caravan1993]

My Sons 1999 Malibu with a 2.4 litre engine died on us today about 25 miles from home. Vehicle was running fine and then when we went to leave place we had driven to it wouldn't idle and died when trying to put it into gear (auto). I did some looking around and found a cracked hose running from what I found out was the fuel pressure regulator. I went to a couple auto stores and was told tube was dealer only part. OK big question... dealer parts man told me he didn't think that fuel should be squirting out of the fuel pressure regulator when the hose is off as this one is. Is the fuel pressure regulator a sealed unit transfering pressure/info via a vaccum type of connection? or does fuel move from it through this hose? Also is it the map sensor it is hooked up to? I got the vehicle going and drove it home by popping in and out of drive and reving (man I miss clutches). Thanks for any info.

[slls]

Originally Posted by Caravan1993

My Sons 1999 Malibu with a 2.4 litre engine died on us today about 25 miles from home. Vehicle was running fine and then when we went to leave place we had driven to it wouldn't idle and died when trying to put it into gear (auto). I did some looking around and found a cracked hose running from what I found out was the fuel pressure regulator. I went to a couple auto stores and was told tube was dealer only part. OK big question... dealer parts man told me he didn't think that fuel should be squirting out of the fuel pressure regulator when the hose is off as this one is. Is the fuel pressure regulator a sealed unit transfering pressure/info via a vaccum type of connection? or does fuel move from it through this hose? Also is it the map sensor it is hooked up to? I got the vehicle going and drove it home by popping in and out of drive and reving (man I miss clutches). Thanks for any info.

You need a new fuel regulator, should be no fuel in the vacuum hose.

[Caravan1993]

Thanks. I had a feeling about that and was honestly surprised when I first pulled the hose and got fuel out of the regulator.

[Caravan1993]

OK another question-is there a trick to replacing that fuel pressure regulator? I have tried a replacement from a scrapyard and it was leaking aorund the seam at the top when I got it in. We have a new one on order but I was amazed (or maybe I wasn't) at how difficult and tight they made it to replace this part. Any hints or mechanics tricks I could learn would be appreciated.