Fuel Injection Pressure Regulator for 5VZ-FE with poor MPG

[azcat90]

I have a 2000 4Runner Limited V6 4WD (California emissions).

I'm fighting the poor MPG battle and I think I need to replace the fuel injection pressure regulator. Does someone have a way to get to it without removing the intake?

I'm getting about 12 mpg and I've already replaced Fuel/Air sensor, O2 sensor, plugs, plug wires, and MAF sensor.

 

[chadsy]

Have you taken a look at your fuel filter?

 

[djtc]

I'm having the same problem as you trying to figure out my 10mpg.I've replaced everything including the fuel pressure regulator.You have to remove the intake plenum which isn't hard at all.You can probably get to it if you have baby hands with lanky long arms.

 

[nissanh]

I'm having the same problem as you trying to figure out my 10mpg.I've replaced everything including the fuel pressure regulator.You have to remove the intake plenum which isn't hard at all.You can probably get to it if you have baby hands with lanky long arms.

any improvements after changing the fuel pressure regulator?
Where did you buy it and how much?
Part #?

 

[BrianSD_42]

You're getting 10-12 MPG and it isn't throwing ANY codes?

 

[A.Wilson013]

You can probably get to it if you have baby hands with lanky long arms.

Uh... I think he meant, baby hands and rubber arms. I don't think it's possible to do without removing the intake (which is not a difficult task).

The 2 bolts are easy enough, the lines are the PITA.

 

[djtc]

10mpg consistently for me no codes ,drives great with lots of power.

 

[azcat90]

Answers

Sorry - I should have logged back in earlier. I did replace the fuel filter in January - forgot about that one. I replaced the pressure regulator on Saturday (BECK/ARNLEY Part # 1580948 $87.79 on rockauto.com) and yes I did have to pull off the plenum which was not a big deal (took the opportunity and replaced the two six hole plenum gaskets and cleaned throttle body and plenum out real good with CRC intake cleaner).

I blundered when I pulled the fuel rail off the injectors to get at the pressure regulator bolts and then pushed it back down on the injectors hard not knowing I was crushing the seals. It sprayed fuel all over the place when i started it.

So on Sunday I started all over again - replaced the fuel injector seals making sure I followed directions how to properly take off and re-install the fuel rail (I had to go buy a 17mm box wrench). I can pull the top off the 5VZ-FE in my sleep now.

I topped it off this morning and I had burned up 1.03 gallons since Sunday and had gone 17.3 miles (city driving). Sample size is small but encouraging so far.

As far as codes only one it threw was a P1780 couple weeks ago which is unrelated to fuel (Park Neutral Switch). With all these repairs though I keep unhooking negative battery cable so it may not have had a chance to throw a code.

 

[azcat90]

28 miles on 1/4 tank

Well looks like same cruddy MPG - back to the drawing board.

I'm thinking PCV valve and/or IAC valve maybe...

 

[BillIam]

are you using the same gas station?

 

[sportscarfan]

I'd check the coolant temperature sensor (ECT) and the intake air temperature sensor (IAT)

 

[nissanh]

Have you cleaned the rear brakes? May be you have binded brakes? Check all 4 wheels (CAUTION::not the disk or the drum!!!) for hotness after a drive. Front is hot, but should not burn your hand, rear should be close to room temperature.

My truck is doing 17-20 Highway. I now go at 65 MPH.

 

[azcat90]

Brakes, temp sensors...

No hot brakes. All brakes are brand new. I replaced the fronts and rears after i had the rear axle seals fixed in December.

I will check those two sensors thanks... Different gas stations used all w/same results.

 

[azcat90]

I'm getting 14.2 Mpg in the city now.

 

[chadsy]

You may also try a seafoam treatment:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/126868-how-seamfoam-treament-3rd-gens-v6.html

 

[azcat90]

Did that yesterday (cough cough) - lots of white smoke. We'll see if it makes it better - I'm going to change the PCV next.

 

[azcat90]

Still 14 MPG - Normal for California Emissions?

Seafoam didn't move the needle...

I also sprayed out the IAC valve with CRC intake cleaner and replaced the IAC gasket and the throttle body gasket (between Throttle body and plenum). I wonder if there is a way to test the IAC valve to see if it still works. I have a multimeter but have no clue how to use it.

I have yet to replace the PCV - maybe I will replace the coolant temperature sensor (ECT) and the intake air temperature sensor (IAT) at the same time.

I was looking to see if the EGR should be replaced but apparently because it is VZN185 it doesn't have one.

Does anyone know if the California engines are supposed to get cruddy mileage?