My roommate bought a 1997 Grand Prix se v6 for $700 knowing it had some problems, but it starts right up and drives ok. But it failed smog check. Turns out the former owner removed the vacuum line going to the fuel pressure regulator and crimped shut the regulator where one would connect the vacuum line. Looks like fuel was leaking out there.

Clearly the regulator and hose need replacing but my question is this:

how the heck is the car not having any startup or stalling problems or even running at all with no properly connected and functioning fuel pressure regulator? If we pop a new one in, are we going to cause other problems?

Thank you for any advice or input!

edit: check engine light is on but she'* not yet had car scanned

I gotta see this. Any chance for pics?

Sure thing. I'll post 'em tomorrow (it'* nighttime now).

Assuming the port for the vacuum hose has been plugged, what you describe would cause the car to run rich at idle, which is what caused the emissions test failure. This won't cause the car to not start, or cause it to stall, particularly if the fuel pump is starting to go and pressures are down a little. I can't think of a problem that would be caused by installing a new FPR and hose, but once they were installed I would check the fuel pressure.

Thanks you guys!

Hope this photo is clear enough. See how the spout has been bent back around:



It'* supposed to look like this:


Well we gotta put the new FPR and hose on regardless, don't know how we could proceed otherwise.

Yes, that is a thick pool of oil you see below the FPR and rail. You might be seeing more of me ... looks like we're in for some fun with this car haha ...

Fortunately it'* an easy install and a relatively inexpensive part. Let us know what happens.

We will probably see a lot more of you if that is their idea of fixing a leaky fuel pressure regulator. Wow.