Thread: How to fix hard starting for about $20

So we all know the widely accepted way of fixing hard starting costs over $200. For me, being short on cash and experiencing this issue, this was not an option. I opted for a cheaper way.

Supplies:
~2 feet (I used 20") of 1/4" fuel tubing (bought from my local Advance Auto) - ~$3
-1/4" check valve (I used this one *edit* I need to find another check valve that can actually stand the high fuel pressure, I'll post it up when I find another one. ) - ~$18
- A tube of black silicone (optional, however it makes it easier to slide the hoses on, bought from my local Advance Auto) - ~$6
-4 hose clamps ( I used 1/4"-5/8" hose clamps bought from my local Lowes) - ~$2

You'll also need a utility knife and a flat head screw driver.

I took all my pictures after I installed it, sorry if I am not clear with my explainations.

First, you're going to need to remove the fuel hose connector that connects the hard fuel line (from the gas tank) to the soft fuel line (closest to the firewall). Remove the green cover that is over it (just pulls off). Then, squeeze the green tabs that are just below the connector and pull up on it. Some fuel may spill.



Next, remove the hose from the fuel rail connector. I did not remove the connector, it's a lot easier than figuring out how the damn thing comes off. You can remove the hose by just slicing it length wise where the connector is. You need to cut through two layers, as the fuel hose that comes with the QR has a plastic core and a rubber outer later. The picture is after the hose has been removed (sorry for the blurriness, but you get the point).





Next, remove the other end of the hose from the other connector by doing the same thing.
Now you can make the new hose. Take the 20" of new fuel hose and cut it in half. Dab some black silicone on the ends of the check valve as shown in the picture (careful, this stuff doesn't come off your hands easily so wipe it off ASAP). Then slide one hose on each end of the check valve and clamp them down nice and tight with two hose clamps on each side.





Now do the same with the connector on the fuel rail and the connector on the hard fuel line. Make sure the arrow that depicts the flow (on the valve) points towards the fuel rail, otherwise your car isn't going anywhere.
And when you have done that it should look like these





And the finished product



Hook it all back up and test for leaks. And there you have it, no more hard starting and it cost under $20. Sure beats paying a lot for something else that (or so I have heard) will eventually do the same thing again.

What does the check valve do?

Sick!

It lets fuel flow towards the fuel rail, but it doesn't let it flow back.

very interesting approach

Thanks

Any way you can direct me to the exact one you bought? i went to the website and there's all sorts of different ones with different psi's and prices i plan on doing this ASAP Ive been dealing with this shit for way too long and its embarrassing as hell

My bad, I should have posted the link lol. Check Valve, Ball Cone, Nylon, 1/4 In, Barb - Check and Foot Valves - Valves - Plumbing : Grainger Industrial Supply

Originally Posted by osx86ftw

My bad, I should have posted the link lol. Check Valve, Ball Cone, Nylon, 1/4 In, Barb - Check and Foot Valves - Valves - Plumbing : Grainger Industrial Supply

Cool thanks a lot

No problem.

good shit...i think im going to do this lol

It works really well, I was able to park on a hill, wait 15 minutes and start my car without a problem.

I went to check out and it estimated shipping and the valve to be $12? that's kind of weird?

That's what I paid too, they ship fast though.

Originally Posted by osx86ftw

That's what I paid too, they ship fast though.

lol i thought you payed like 5 bucks shipped, your think theres a huge difference in these valves? maybe i can pick one up at a local Hardware store?

i keep finding these shitz on ebay i didn't know if it would work the same 1/4" SAFTY CHECK VALVE HYDROGEN GENERATOR / Browns Gas: eBay Motors (item 260380324698 end time Aug-11-10 15:56:23 PDT)

http://cgi.ebay.com/HHO-Generator-2-1-4-In-Line-Check-Valves-Water4Gas-/260452115054?campid=5336458579&cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3ca427e26e

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/One-w...Q5fAccessories

I didn't include shipping since they have stores too. You aren't restricted to that specific check valve either, everything you listed looks fine too me. Dunno how much pressure they can take though.

hey one more q? was that 1/4" ID or OD? on the valve and Hose

ID for the hose.

Thanks for the DIY!!
I just got my ser and was getting hella irritated w/ the hard starting!!!!!

Yep