How do you and where to check the fuel pressure?

Answer 1

It depends entirely on the year, make and model on how and where you can check fuel pressure. In order to officially and properly check the fuel pressure you will need a fuel pressure gauge and a set of adapters and fittings that typically come in a very expensive kit.

Most GM, Ford and Chrysler engines will have a schrader valve located on the pressure side of the fuel line, usually near the fuel rail that houses the injectors. If the fuel line has one of these valves then you can screw on a fitting that attaches to a fuel pressure gauge, crank the engine and see the fuel pressure. If the vehicle does not have one of these valves then a specific, special fitting that comes with part of the fuel pressure tester kit needs to be installed inline on the pressure side of the fuel lines.

***Practice extreme caution with this advice. Gasoline is very flammable and dangerous***

If this question is being asked because your vehicle won't start and you want to check for fuel pressure, but don't have a gauge, there are other ways. One very easy trick you can do is to remove the intake tube from the throttle body OR remove the large vacuum hose from the check valve in the brake booster. Using a small can of propane that you would find in the camping section of the hardware store, attach a fitting and hose so you can induce propane into the throttle body or vacuum hose and have an assistant crank the engine.

If you do not have propane you can CAUTIOUSLY use a small amount of non chlorinated brake cleaner in the same manner. Be very careful either way as the engine can easily backfire and cause fire and/ or personal injury.