Gasoline pressure control valve

[Peter Kater]

Hello all,
On Vipers, we have this well known issue (over time) that the gasoline pressure control valve is no longer holding fuel pressure at startup...
It means starting after either cranking several times or primering the fuel system repeatedly before firing up (the 4th or 5th time).
My question : has anyone already replaced the CONTROL VALVE only (as part of the fuel assembly) or the FUEL ASSEMBLY as a whole and solved the problem?
I would be glad to read your comments.
Potentially I am looking for the CONTROL VALVE only. Anyone may offer that for sale or point me in the right direction?
Thanks in advance for your input

 

[Dave Chan]

https://www.viperpartsrackamerica.c...-92-95-viper-fuel-pump-regulator-replacement-

or a delay timer if you do not wish to drop the tank.
https://www.viperclub.org/vca/threa...your-viper-fuel-pump-starting-problem.624994/

 

[Chad Spackman]

If you’ve not solved this yet... yes, I’ve done this and it solved my problem. Viperstore has a replacement pressure regulator. It’s not an exact fit. It has a larger ‘can’ diameter, and slightly smaller diameter insert neck. The former is not a problem and the latter is easily solved with any commonly available O-ring of the right diameter. The regulator is connected to the pump with a stiff plastic 1/4” hose. You shouldn’t replace that because getting it back on the fuel pump is really tough and that hose will last centuries. The pump end is 3/8” at least. The hose is long enough that you can cut it at the regulator and still have enough for a new regulator and crimp clamp. The fuel pump module is simple to dismantle although regulator replacement does not require it. I considered the timer delay solution but the distance between a regulator that leaks and one that won’t regulate is a hazard I didn’t want bouncing around in my brain. I have a post on tank removal for a gen 1 if that is of any help. Some think the pump check ball valve is often the problem for long crank times. I think that is possible but less likely in most cases. Because tank removal is time consuming I replaced both however.

 

[Peter Kater]

Hello guys,
I went with the delay timer (ELK 960) solution.
It "kinda" works, which means it start from scratch, but provided you get a good 5 to 6 seconds fuel primering time.

Why I have chosen this option?
Simply to avoid disassembling half of the car...

I would recommend the technical solution. Cheap, easy and simple.
IMPORTANT NOTICE : do add a fuse to protect the ELK 960!!

Cheers to all Viper fellows and thanks for your comments and suggestions!

 

[Chad Spackman]

Something you may want to check is your fuel pressure while the engine is running. When my pressure regulator was leaking, there were 2 symptoms; the long crank times, plus the pressure was all over the place.