FMU working right?

notchlubber

Member
Jun 11, 2004
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The fuel pressure in my 89 Novi 2K SC'd stang has been shooting up to ~90 psi the second that it starts to make boost (~2500rpm). I'm talking less than 1/2 a pound of boost. This is with my fp set at 41 psi line off on my adjustable fpr.

I was under the impression that the FMU was supposed to increase fuel pressure by the ratio the FMU is rated at, which should be 14 psi fuel pressure for every 1psi of boost, since my unit is supposed to be a 14:1. In other words, I thought the fuel pressure should ramp up as boost builds. Example: With my fuel pressure set to 41 psi line off, when the boost hits 1psi I thought the fuel pressure should raise 14 psi, up to ~55 psi. Same with 2lbs of boost, I thought it should raise 28 psi, giving me ~69 psi of fuel pressure. Mine seems to be working like an on/off switch. When the car is at vacuum to 0, the FMU isn't working and the car runs fine. At less than 1/2 lb of boost, the FMU "switches on", and pressure goes straight from 41 psi to 90 psi.

I can tell that the car runs REALLY rich when the fuel pressure shoots up to 90psi. Basically, it runs like crap. It's totally fine til that first tiny bit of boost builds, then the fuel pressure shoots up and the power goes wayyyyy down, car sputters and shoots black smoke out the tail pipes.

I don't think an FMU should be working the way mine does. Can anybody tell me if it is or isn't working right?
 
I'm running the stock 19lbs for now, until I can afford 42s, MAF, and tuning equipment. The disc in the fmu is supposed to be a 14:1. Everything's the way the Novi 2k kit came for my car.

Do you have an fmu on your car? Does it go up gradually with boost, like I was thinking it should?
 
Yes, I've got an fmu on mine. The only time you'd be able to go without one is if you've got 42's. Perhaps check with Novi, Paxton, Vortech, etc. on the proper disc ratio as I'm not certain. Or better yet, where'd you source the vacuum for the fmu?
 
I have the vacuum line hooked up to the source on the bottom rear of the plenum on my 93 cobra intake. It's the same one that goes to the PCV valve. That should be just a normal vacuum source, right?
 
Your FMU is slamming shut. It is either bad, or something in the way that it is hooked up is not correct (I tend to lean more towards the former).

To be on the safe side though, here a couple of things you could check before replacing it:

Shrader seal pin removed from shrader valve for your pressure gauge

FMU sensing tube hooked to intake manifold and not the supercharger or supercharger discharge tube.

FMU is not hooked up BACKWARDS on your fuel return lines (this can cause some FMUs to slam shut)

Weep holes on FMU not clogged or obstructed by foreign material

Correct sized FMU sample tube (vac line) is used (should be 1/4 inch although I've seen a few that also include an inline orifice)

If all of that stuff checks out then it's probably bad. If you can open it up without voiding the warranty then do so. Otherwise, send it back to them.

Good Luck
 
notchlubber said:
I have the vacuum line hooked up to the source on the bottom rear of the plenum on my 93 cobra intake. It's the same one that goes to the PCV valve. That should be just a normal vacuum source, right?

Is this source also common with the break booster? If so, see if you can find another location that isn't as "busy" with other accessories.
 
notchlubber said:
The only two branches off of that source are the PCV valve and the FMU line. I do have my bypass valve feeding off of the same line as my FMU though. Could that be a problem?

I couldn't say for sure. I won't hurt anything to try a different source though. I could see where running two diaphram operated device "could" cause a problem.