Chevrolet Repair: 88 Cavalier Z-24, fuel pressure regulator, intake manifold gasket

Question
Hi Mark. I'm having major idle problems.(just replaced the computer a year ago so I don't think it's that) 1st guess was a vaccume leak, but can't seem to find it spraying carb cleaner on lines while running. Replaced many of the scensors in the past 6-8 months. I also seem to smell fuel around my car, even after it's been off for 15-20 minutes. The fuel pressure seems to be O.K. So I'm leaning away from any fuel leaks. Although the fuel PUMP was replaced at a shop about 4 months ago. Which is about when this trouble began. Got any ideas? Thanks, Cynthia

Answer
Hi Cynthia, The first thing to check is the fuel pressure regulator. Remove the vacuum line and check for any sign of gas in the hose or coming out of the regulator. Turn the key on while looking to make sure you have fuel pressure on the system. The next thing is to check for vacuum in the crank case. This could be from a bad intake manifold gasket leaking on the inside of the engine. To check this remove the pcv valve and plug the vent from the back valve cover, now run the engine with your finger over the hole where the pcv valve goes. Should be pressure not vacuum there.

Hope this helps

Mark