I don't like throwing parts at a problem in hopes that I stumble across the solution on the first shot, but sometimes it's less aggravating than testing if the correct tool isn't available. When I do throw parts at it, I make certain to get my mind right about wasting the money before I install the part and exhaust every other test I can think of to eliminate other parts so I arrive at a short list of suspects before I open my wallet. Sometimes I get it right on the first try, sometimes not.

The dealer price for a regulator is about $75 and it's the same at most parts houses for aftermarket units from Bosch, Sorensen, etc. RockAuto has it priced at around $55. If you really think it's the regulator, balance the price, time and effort required to replace it against the price, time and effort to locate the test tools to diagnose it. Then call the dealer (or an independant shop) and ask them how much they would charge to test it for you (without cutting your fuel hose).

You might consider it less of a hassle to replace it and take that off the list of suspects, but be prepared to waste the money one way or the other.

Frank