The fuel regulator or fuel pressure regulator on a 1997 General Motor Company (GMC) truck is important because it maintains the fuel pressure throughout the vehicle's fuel line. Knowing the location of the fuel regulator helps when you need to replace it due to symptoms such as engine misfire, engine hesitation and engine backfire.
The fuel regulator on a 1997 GMC truck is above the intake manifold. Open your car's hood, go to the passenger's side of the engine and look just above where the exhaust manifold attaches to the engine. The fuel regulator is attached to the fuel line system. Locating the exhaust manifold is simple. An exhaust manifold is on both sides of the engine and looks like pipes running out the side of the engine block.
A fuel regulator in the 1997 GMC truck monitors and controls the fuel line pressure. Maintaining a consistent pressure throughout the fuel line assists the GMC engine with emissions, fuel usage and engine efficiency. Once the fuel pressure rises, the fuel regulator opens a valve where excess fuel can go so the fuel pressure will level out.
A bad fuel regulator in the 1997 GMC truck causes too much fuel or too little fuel to enter the fuel line. Either loss of fuel pressure or too much fuel pressure causes key symptoms during normal driving conditions. The GMC truck will begin to hesitate, backfire, make the engine sound like it is choking, or skip the firing of a cylinder and jerk. The engine acts as though it is out of gas and the 1997 GMC truck instrument panel will illuminate a check engine light.
Three things can go wrong with the fuel regulator in a 1997 GMC truck. The spring on the valve of the fuel regulator can break or become worn causing the fuel regulator valve to quit working. Corrosion can build-up in the fuel regulator and prevent the valve from opening or closing when needed. The fuel regulator can clog preventing the regulator from working properly. A good way to check if there is a problem with the fuel regulator is to attach clear lines to either side of the fuel regulator and start the engine. The fuel runs at a constant flow through the tubing if there is not a problem.
