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So today I was driving my es with no problem as usual as I drove to the bottom of the hill i then stopped at the light and my car just stalled. I tried to turn it on again and it just cranks but won’t start. Notice there’s a strong gasoline smell every time I try to start it. Currently got it at my house and came across a few posts saying it might be the fuel injector. Any suggestions before I take it into the shop
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The fact that the smell is only present when you actually attempt to crank the car may indicate a blockage somewhere in the system, though I doubt it has anything to do with injectors, the car will still start without one, and I have yet to see all 6 injectors fail all at once.
If the Fuel Filter was never replaced, it is a very good time to do so. You can short the Switch Side of the Circuit Opening Relay under the hood to activate the pump without cranking the engine. Listen to the pump closely to make sure that it doesn't sound labored, as if it pushes fuel against the wall, which can quickly wreck the pump. While the pump is running, look around for any signs of leak.
Your car should still have the Pressure Regulator under the hood, take the Return Line off and make sure there is fuel coming out of it, which will ensure that there is enough flow from the pump present, if the pump is audibly running, while there is no fuel in the Return Line, it may be another sign of blockage in the system, and since the Regulator is under the hood, the pump may create enough pressure in the rest of the system to start blowing the lines off, which may be the cause of fuel smell coming from the car each time you go start it up.
Oh wow that is bad, do NOT try starting the car, there should not be any fuel in that Vacuum Switching Valve. It appears that your Pressure Regulator is shot to bits, it must be replaced before you attempt another start, unless you want to mimic ghost rider.
Only use OEM Regulator unless if you want it to repeat, Part Number for it is 23280-20010.
I don’t know what I’d do without you forums guys but yeah it was the fuel pressure regulator I appreciate your help. Do they just go out over time?
Originally Posted by Arsenii
Oh wow that is bad, do NOT try starting the car, there should not be any fuel in that Vacuum Switching Valve. It appears that your Pressure Regulator is shot to bits, it must be replaced before you attempt another start, unless you want to mimic ghost rider.
Only use OEM Regulator unless if you want it to repeat, Part Number for it is 23280-20010.
I note the consensus is leading towards the vacuum operated Fuel Pressure regulator.
I've included a photo from my own engine bay (with some red lines) to indicate how fuel could enter the VSV.
I'm assuming the diaphragm inside the Fuel Pressure Regulator has busted, and pressurised fuel is flowing straight from the fuel rail into the broken diaphragm, and then up the black hose in the blue VSV?
On Edit: I just realised my engine is a 3VZ-FE, which for reasons I've never quite understood, was used in the Australian Lexus ES300 from 1992 thru to Aug 1996.
Here's the relationship between the Fuel Pressure Regulator and the blue Vacuum Switching Valve.
I'm assuming the diaphragm inside the Fuel Pressure Regulator has busted, and pressurised fuel is flowing straight from the fuel rail into the broken diaphragm, and then up the black hose in the blue VSV?
That is correct, below is a basic diagram of how the Vacuum Controlled Pressure Regulator works, all that separates the fuel from Engine Vacuum is the rubber diaphragm that aids in forcing the spring up, reducing pressure. My guess at this point is that said diaphragm got busted to bits, allowing fuel to enter the Vacuum system. Regular pressure regulators are basically bulletproof, there is really not much that can go wrong with them, it is the Vacuum Controlled ones that do get most of the problems.
Originally Posted by booboofoo
I've included a photo from my own engine bay (with some red lines) to indicate how fuel could enter the VSV.
P.S. That engine bay is spotless, that's quite impressive, I am envious now..
When that photo was taken I was still reassembling the engine after removing the upper and lower manifold. You'll note the fuel injectors are brand new, along with the electrical connectors to the injectors. It was an enjoyable project.
All of the vacuum lines were attached roughly six hours after the phot was taken.
01-06-23, 04:29 PM
95 es300 maybe dirty fuel injector
