All my symptoms of my truck are pointing to a fuel system issue, specifically the pressure regulator. Rough start (replaced the starter a week ago as well), poor MPG (about 12MPG), fuel smell after driving, and fuel pump was replaced in 2018. I don't want to drop the fuel tank or lift the bed since I work solo and without a rack. Is it feasible to replace the regulator myself or do I need to break down and take it to a shop?
Reference, it is a 1997 Ram 1500 with 5.2L Y engine

 

When you replaced the fuel pump back in 2018 (5 years ago), was it replaced with a complete OEM quality pump & housing assembly (ie: Delphi)? I ask, as the regulator is made onto the top of the fuel pump and budget fuel pump assemblies are known for premature failure. If you want to change out just the regulator, you might want to consider raising the truck bed by removing the 8 bolts that hold the bed to the truck frame and jack up the driver's side of the bed with a piece of 2x4 wood and a floor jack to gain access to the fuel pump assembly. All of this depends upon your skill level, time and level of desire to repair the truck.

 

What's your fuel pressure look like?

 

Fuel smell and poor MPG would indicate running rich. Seems unlikely that a regulator fails in a way that increases fuel pressure, so yes, what's the fuel pressure. It might be something else like a bad coolant temp sensor for the PCM (separate from the sensor for the temp gauge before 98).

 

I had the pump replaced by a shop back in 2018 since I was no where near able to work on it that much at the time. I had called to have them check on it since it is in warranty but I dont have that paperwork readily available yet. The thermostat was replaced this past December and heater core was July 2021 so not that old. I was hoping that the regulator was fine but that is just what all the symptoms point to

 

Find out what the fuel pressure is. Make sure it stays stable at 49 psi.

 

Since I don't have the value on the fuel line in the engine bay, I have to check the fuel pressure by installing a valve correct?

 

Or use adapters to put your gauge inline with the fuel line.... That's always fun....