Hello all. I'm a new Neon owner and have just found this forum. I searched previous posts for similar information but couldn't quite find the answer to this question...

I connected a pressure gauge to the fuel rail of my '96 SOHC. I turned the key on to cycle the fuel pump, but did not start the engine. Pressure showed 4 psi. (yes, four)

I cycled the key/pump three more times before the pressure showed 48 psi. I started the engine and the pressure stayed at 48 or so. A WOT snap showed a drop to about 40 psi for a couple seconds, then back to 48.

Here is my question: should the pressure at the rail be at 48 psi at the first cycle of the fuel pump? Is it normal to need to cycle the pump two or three times before reaching spec pressure?

The car hesitates badly on acceleration.

Thanks for a great forum, and any help you can provide!

 

What is the model year of the neon?