Just wanted to give an update. So I installed a new K&N fuel filter and a new battery (I thought that maybe the old battery may have had a loose plate). I also pressure tested the system and found that it is now holding pressure well. I figured out a way to easily isolate the fuel sender from the pressure regulator as well as a way to get all of the fuel out of the lines to change a fuel filter.
First I connected my pressure gauge to the fuel rail and got it where i could see it. Then i went around the back and rigged this up. I slowly opened the valved and watch the gauge go up to 55 and listened to all of the gas blow out of the return line and into the tank. I didn't open the valve any more than was necessary than to achieve the 55PSI limit of the regulator. After about 10 seconds, there was no more gas flowing back into the tank.
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I Observed the rail holding the air pressure well at 45PSI
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Then as a final step, i rigged this contraption up to test the fuel pump check valves and sending unit. I only opened the valve enough to build ~50PSI and shut it off. I then observed that it held pressure well.
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As a result, there was not a drop of fuel spilled at the filter upon removal and replacement