How to Check for Fuel Delivery in an Acura Integra

The Acura Integra went through four generations in the United States before being discontinued in 2007. From 1998 to 2001 the fuel supply system on the Integra was comprised of a fuel tank, pressure pump, fuel filter, PGM-FI relay, pressure regulator, injectors, pulsation damper and delivery and return lines. After 2002, the Integra was renamed the RSX. The car's fuel pump flow was increased and the engine intake was boosted.

Instructions

1

Release pressure from the fuel system carefully. Loosen the banjo bolt on the top of the Acura Integra model's fuel filter. Disconnect the battery and remove the fuel fill cap. Use a box wrench to hold the bolt while you hold the fuel filter with a second wrench. Loosen the bolt one full counter-clockwise turn to release any engine pressure.

2

Wait as any pressure is released from the fuel system and then remove the banjo bolt. Screw a fuel pressure adapter bolt into the banjo bolt hole. The fuel pressure reading is given at the gauge on the top of the bolt.

3

Reconnect the battery and disconnect the vacuum hose from the fuel pressure regulator. Pinch the vacuum hose. If necessary, refer to the owner's manual for a diagram of the fuel system lines and hoses to help locate the vacuum hose.

4

Start the engine and let it idle as you check the fuel pressure reading. Pressure needs to be between 270 and 320 kPa (2.8 to 3.3 kgf/cm2, 40 to 47 psi) for a B18B1 engine, or between 320 and 370 kPa (3.3 to 3.8 kgf/cm2, 47 to 54 psi) for B18C1 and B18C5 engines.

5

Cut the engine. Reconnect the vacuum hose to the fuel pressure regulator.

6

Start the engine, let it idle and check the fuel pressure again. Pressure now needs to read between 250 and 290 kPa (2.5 to 3.0 kgf/cm2, 36 to 43 psi) for a B18B1 engine, or between 260 and 310 kPa (2.7 to 3.2 kgf/cm2, 38 to 46 psi) for B18C1 and B18C5 engines.

7

Determine whether the fuel pressure meets the above requirements for both checks. If it does, the fuel delivery is optimal. If fuel pressure is too high, the system is delivering too much fuel to the engine. Check the fuel return hose and lines visually for pinches or clogs. If there are none, the likely cause of the high pressure is a malfunctioning fuel pressure regulator. If fuel pressure is too low, the system is not delivering enough fuel to the engine, which may be caused by a clogged fuel filter.

8

Inspect the fuel lines for leaks by looking them over carefully for any signs of moisture. If moisture is present on a line, that line is leaking and must be replaced.

9

Inspect the fuel filter for clogs. Get two wrenches to fit the sizes of the fuel filter fittings. Grip the fittings with the wrenches and then drape a rag or shop cloth over the fittings and wrenches to catch any pressurized fuel that might still be lurking in the lines. Hold the wrench gripping the actual filter and turn the other counter clockwise until the bolt comes out. Remove the fuel line, set the bolt and washers in a safe place, and repeat this step for the other side of the fuel filter.

10

Use a flat head screw driver to remove the clamp holding the fuel filter in place. Remove the fuel filter from the Integra carefully as fuel is still present inside the filter.

11

Inspect the fuel filter visually for clogs and refit the Integra with a new filter if necessary. Simply reverse the filter removal process to reinstall the old or install a new filter. If the lines and filter are in working order any fuel delivery problem is likely caused by a faulty fuel pressure regulator.