Fuel pressure issues-bad fuel pump?

[Diamond Dave]

​I recently acquired a 1994 GT with ~120,00 miles, auto with 2.73 (I assume) gears and completely stock. I realize this car isn't going to feel that fast, but it feels like its down on power. Fuel filter and pressure regulator are both new (Motorcraft).

A few of the spark plugs looked a little dark and slightly wet when I changed them, but the electrodes were so worn that I attributed the issues to the gaps being huge.

I put a fuel pressure gauge on it yesterday and observed the following:

-KOEO: Sometimes pressure jumps to ~38 psi, but immediately drops to about 8 psi, and then continues to drop very slowly. Other times the pressure only jumps to between 6 and 12 psi, and then immediately drops. I never could get the KOEO pressure to hold at the "normal" ~35-45psi. The inconsistency bothers me as much as anything.

-KOER: The car starts right up and holds steady at 32psi at idle. It drops to about 31psi at 2000rpm in park. I don't have plates on the car so I can't road test it right now. Holds 32psi for at least 20 minutes after shutting down.

I've done a lot of reading on Mustang and Ford truck forums and can't find a definitive answer about what fuel pressure is actually right. I know my KOEO symptoms aren't normal-do they indicate a dying fuel pump?

Is 32psi at idle a problem? I've read that 30-40psi while running is within spec, but a lot of anecdotal "real world" comments suggest 35 is a better minimum.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Dave

 

[07GtS197]

Have you changed anything else? Like plug wires, coil, etc.

Those numbers arent bad, kind of like where mine are on my crown vic and its trouble free except for some extended cranking sometimes.

 

[Diamond Dave]

Accel cap and rotor (brass terminals), new Autolite copper plugs, NAPA brand wires (they were new in the box in the trunk).

Full disclosure, the harmonic balancer wobbles so I also wonder if someone tried to set the ignition timing after the outer ring slipped and moved the timing marks. I'm going to replace the balancer over the weekend but wanted to check out the fuel system too.

 

[07GtS197]

It looks like youre on the right track. Hmm maybe your timing is off or spout is disconnected staying at base timing. Im thinking its timing and not fuel thats causing your car to run sluggish. Plus you would know if it was a weak pump because it would ping at high rpms due to lack of fuel. Have you checked the fuel pressure with the regulator disconnected? At this point its not necessary but it would tell you if your pump can put out more pressure.