Might need to replace FPR, question

[locovaca]

I have a 98 Malibu with a 3.1 and 168k. Had a couple of mornings where it started up rough, noticed the other day that the CEL light was on and came up P0172. I pulled the vacuum line off the regulator and it smelled pretty gassy. Service manuals say you have to pull the entire upper intake to get it off... Is that the truth or can you get it replaced without? The torx screw looks doable but the connection to the fuel line looks troublesome without at least taking the throttle body off.

Thanks

[TGP37]

P0172 is too rich bank 1 (cylinders 1-3-5) : Could be a failing O2 sensor (they often fail on the rich side)

It is easy to replace a FPR on your car. It is possible to remove/install with the plenum on. But if you must remove the plenum, keep all the hoses connected as you only need to raise the plenum 2-3 inches up. Can be hung from the hood with coat hanger/wire or buddy.

The FPR pops right out of the fuel rail, the o-ring may fall off when removing from the fuel rail.

The bottom side is just a typical style bolt on. Don't confuse with the FPR body and use a monkey wrench/vise grip for the body, just like a fuel filter.


If your like me and don't want to unbolt all those plenum bolts, pull the FPR from the rail then hold it up and out to remove from the return line. After the FPR the fuel line is low/no pressure. But before the FPR is pressurized fuel, be sure to release the pressure first via the schrader valve or keep the car off (no turn key on/no start either) for 24 hours so the pressure drains. Or you could remove the fuel pump fuse and then turn it over a few seconds.