All,

318 5.2l TBI.

I'm going to attempt to replace a sticking injector. Seems pretty straightforward from the manual, but, I have a question about relieving the fuel pressure. The manual says to run jump wires from the battery to the terminal to get the injector squirting. I'm horrible with battery/electrical stuff, especially when it involves fuel. And I'm not comfortable doing it this way.

Do you think it's sufficient to unplug the electrical connector at the fuel pump on the tank, run the engine till it stalls and then crank it a few times to empty everything out?

Any other methods out there for a mechanical dunce?

 

These procedures to relieve the fuel pressure are a little overblown, written by lawyers, not mechanics. I can understand the safety aspects of fuel under pressure. But TBI systems are just 14.5 psi, and it does not come out like a power washer.

Just remove the lines at the fuel filter along the pass side frame rail, and do not be smoking a cigarette while doing it, or have your head directly under it.

Even easier is to just loosen the fuel line clamp at the TB itself, and let a little fuel dribble out onto the intake, and evaporate.

 

Thanks! I figured as much, but, wanted to make sure there weren't any "Sure...if you like the feel of gas on your face" experiences.

 

For future forum users...

I followed landyacht318's advice on relieving the fuel pressure with no hassles. Here's how ya do it:

Don't smoke.
Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Open your gas cap. (Not even sure that's necessary).
Take a rag and stuff it under your fuel intake line connection at the throttle body to catch the fuel.
Loosen the clamp on the rubber hose of the fuel intake at the throttle body.
Pull the hose off the nipple.
An ounce or two of gas will come out of the nipple and soak on to the rag.
You're done.

Fuel wasn't spraying out of the line or anything. Piece of cake.

Hope this helps someone in the future.

 

I must say, I am glad everyone chose to talk about relieving fuel pressure instead of relieving gas pressure!

 

Easier way is to pull the fuel pump relay or fuse. Then crank the engine until it won't try running, most times it may sputter a bit then just crank, once in a while it may fire up for a second or two. Now you can proceed with the needed repair.

 

I thought of posting this but I wasn't sure of his year van. Earlier vans had a duel FP/ASD relay setup, so it's not reasonable to pull just the FP relay. Next the FP relay was eliminated and the ASD relay was used to power the FP. I think it was 98 or 99 when they went to the under-hood power distribution box that the FP and ASD relay were finally separate and the FP relay could be pulled out.