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Ok, basically there are 3 Cartech units:
1) the oldest cast regulator 2) the "new" billet regulator 3) the "newest" billet regulator
The only differences between 2 and 3 is that 2 has two(2) vacuum nipples on the top and the bleed screw built into the unit and 3 has the bleed valve "attached" to the unit. Now, for stock injectors, the fuel pressure needs to be around 45-50psi @ full vacuum idle and ~60psi @ 0in/Hg. I have 30# injectors, therefore I need to lower my fuel pressures. With 30# injectors, fuel pressures need to be around 20-25psi @ full vacuum idle and ~35psi @ 0in/Hg. I'm not too familiar with the #1 regulator, so I'll just discuss the 2 and 3 regulators. With regulator 2, you need to have the "boost" vacuum line connected to the right nippled (if looking down at the unit and the bleed screw is pointed "up") and the bleed line connected to the left nipple. I had it reversed for the longest time since the nipples aren't labeled and I think that's why I blew my first motor.
In order to set the proper fuel pressures, the allen nut on the top of the unit needs to be screwed in to raise the pressure and screwed out to lower it. In order to acheive the proper rise rate, the bleed screw is used: turn in to raise the rate of gain, turn out to lower the rate of gain.
Here's where the fun part comes in. The valve that actually controls the fuel, is a little piece of metal, about 1"x1" and is VERY flimsy sheet metal. If you use stock injectors and run like 8-10 psi and keep getting consistent fuel pressures above 100psi, this little metal sheet will eventually "oil can". When the sheet is working properly, it flexes and then returns back to it's original position. Over time, it'll get worn out and possibly "pop/oil can" and/or get a hole/tear in it. This will render the unit useless and not function properly. For about $30 you can get a refresh kit from BEGi (Corky Bell's company that designs, builds, and ships the Cartech units) that'll replace the diaphragm, disks, bleed screw, etc. Basically all the internals of the unit.
Ok, now you're probably wondering, "I've got it all connected correctly, but I can't seem to get the rise rate low enough. I'm still getting high fuel pressures! I've got the bleed screw backed almost out to where it's falling out, but I'm still getting insanely high fuel pressures!" Never fear, Jeremy is here! I ran into this exct same problem until I called BEGi and they worked it out for me. First off, my "sheet metal" valve oil canned and I needed a new one. So I figured I might as well get the entire rebuild package. (If you're cool with them on phone and ask for a couple extra "valves", they're throw a few in there! Thanks guys!) I replaced the valve, yet still, no good. I called them back and they asked if I had the restrictor installed. BINGO! They then shipped me a restrictor (FREE OF CHARGE I MIGHT ADD) and I installed it in the "boost" vacuum line. HAZZAA!!! Now I have to screw the bleed screw in a few turns to get the proper rise rate. With the restrictor in place, and the bleed valve backed almost all the way out, a 2:1 rise rate is almost attainable.
So that's the basic fix. If you've got a #2 regulator, send the regulator, or top half or only, back to BEGi and they'll rebuild it into a #3 regulator for no cost. BEGi is a GREAT company to work with and are willing to work with you/us. If you've got any questions about that Cartech regulator, contact me and I'll do my best to help you out. If I can't help you, contact the Man himself, Corky Bell @ BEGi! Enjoy! 96 Indy Red Dodge Avenger I4 5spd 225.7whp/227.2wtq @ 10psi, currently running 12-14psi. HRC Stage III turbo setup JE 8.8:1 pistons Eagle rods block bored .020" over GReddy FMIC w/ custom piping 1G crushed BOV SPEC Stage 3 clutch 2.5" DP, 2.5" high flow cat, 3" ERT catback w/ Magnaflow muffler and 3" tip. much much more...
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