How do you clean fuel regulator mesh

JMO · 19-09-2008, 05:27 PM

I'm having trouble with rough idle (see thread) and have come across information that leads me to believe that the fuel regulator mesh may be clogged up.

Can someone tell me where it is located and how I go about removing the mesh/regulator to clean it?

I found a thread on the fuel pump but that seems like a major job. The other thread where I found this info recons its a 10min job to clean the mesh.

Cheers.

**Stav** · 19-09-2008, 07:24 PM

Regulator mesh is part of the regulator.Remove the reg and youll see it.

JMO · 20-09-2008, 01:08 AM

Whereabouts is the regulator located in the engine bay?

bodes-sh · 20-09-2008, 10:19 AM

on the rear of the fuel rail. underneath the big plastic intake pipe it is a round metal thing with a vacuum hose coming out of the middle of it

JMO · 21-09-2008, 02:09 PM

OK found it. I've taken the circular clip off, but i can't lift the 'hat' off the reg. What's the trick?

hannem · 21-09-2008, 02:41 PM

Hi JMO,
Glad you found it. I had no end of trouble getting mine off, after struggling for ages with normal pliers I gave up and had to make this tool to do it.

When I got it of I could see the scratches and a bit of damage from where my mechanic had to take it previously. No doubt they also had a cow of a time with it.

It is made from a cheapo pair of vice grips and works quite well, turned up a steel ring , tacked it on and checked for the right angle and then welded it on properly. Cut through with a hacksaw when it was cool and presto one handy tool.

As you know the spot that it sits in is a real bugger, really appreciate that Ford, you dogs.

Once I got the hat off I just used an old soft toothbrush to clean the mesh and popped the hat back in. All done.

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JMO · 21-09-2008, 02:54 PM

Ok. I don't have one of those, or the equipment to make one :P brute force will have to do

Thanks for the pics though.

How did you get the spring ring back on? I can't for the life of me get it to sit right...

Does the fuel system have to be depressurised before starting?

Cheers.

EDIT: Now it looks like there might be a small cut/nick in the vacuum hose (not all the way through). I'm guessing that is not a good thing.

JMO · 21-09-2008, 03:38 PM

lol. There I was pulling with all my might to get the thing off and my brother comes along and twists it off

I wiped the mesh down a little bit and replaced it. The car is still running a little rough and has the odd knock but seems better overall. I can't say for sure as yet if it was the cause of the problem until I go for a proper drive but I'll let you know.

If it does turn out to be the cause, is it worth replacing it? Anyone know off the top of their head what one is worth?

A big thanks to hannem for the info and others for their input.

Cheers.

hannem · 21-09-2008, 03:46 PM

Good for you in getting off by hand, nothing would work for me.

Just remembered about that clip, but obviously you got in back in. I had to make sure that the hat was truly pushed down properly as trying to get the hat off lifts it up a bit and can make the job of getting the clip back in a bit tricky.

When my mechanic originally fixed it he showed me where it was and I said that I would clean it from now on, when I asked how much if I broke it he said about $80 but that was off the top off his head.

Does someone actually know?

For me, stalling problems before clean and none after the clean, obviously that is my problem it sounds like you may have this problem with some other ones as well.

Cheers M

ratter · 21-09-2008, 04:40 PM

A while ago ford did not list a fuel regulator as a seperate item, you had to buy a complete rail assembly with the reg and hoses

hannem · 21-09-2008, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ratter

A while ago ford did not list a fuel regulator as a seperate item, you had to buy a complete rail assembly with the reg and hoses

$$$$$$$

JMO · 02-10-2008, 12:50 PM

Looks like this wasn't the cause of the problem as it is still rough :( Would it be a bad idea to take it off a again and give it a clean with some carby cleaner?

BillC · 02-10-2008, 01:27 PM

can somebody post a picture of where exactly the fuel regulator is ? I'm not seeing it in my head.

hannem · 02-10-2008, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillC

can somebody post a picture of where exactly the fuel regulator is ? I'm not seeing it in my head.

Thats why you can't see it you are looking in your head instead of the engine bay.

Ahh left yourself wide open for that one hey.

It's on the right hand side of the engine right at the back of it. Nearly touching the fire wall. About 4 or 5" downwards.
Small golden coloured unit about 1 1/2" in diameter with a vacuum hose plugged into the top of it.

Do have a picture but cant locate the camera at the moment, think the wife has stolen it. Will post when I find it.

Cheers M

BillC · 02-10-2008, 03:36 PM

Thanks Hannem. I was wondering what all that grey stuff was. Now I know its whats left of my brain.