Now constant starting problem on '92 Mercury Cougar

[kalrith]

I found that recall about a week ago and called the local Ford dealer. I gave him my VIN number, and he said I had no recalls on the car. He also said that if that happened, there would be a puddle of gas under my car. I told him that I had a strong gas smell in the car, and his thought was that the vapor canister (I think that's what he called it) can often fill up with gas if someone has consistently topped off the gas tank over the years (which I have). I just didn't think that would correlate with the starting problem, but I don't even know what the vapor canister is. I found a replacement for $66 here.

What do you guys think of that idea?

 

[iamwiz82]

I'd think you'd smell it under the hood then, as that is where it's normally located. In my experience it's usually hiding near the front bumper or radiator.

 

[kalrith]

Originally posted by: slag
sounds like a fuel pressure regulator problem to me.

Is there a way for me to determine if that's the problem without just starting to replace parts? Do I need to have a shop check it out?