Electric Fuel Pump, Is a relay needed?

On the klogger (fuel injected 302) I run a stock ford in tank fuel pump. When I originally did the wiring I installed a relay for the fuel pump. I had a switch in the cab, that activated the relay, which powered the pump. I installed a fuse and everything proper....

I have had nothing but problems with this relay, it has gone out twice, granted it was a cheap arse O'reilly's one, but still it is a pain.

Here is my question, Does the fuel pump pull enough amps that I need a relay or can I just ditch the relay and use the switch I have in the cab? Thoughts?

ditch the switch and run the relay from a 'key on' power source.

The relay is probably not meant for continuous duty. Go to the junkyard and steal a fuel pump relay off the firewall of a 80s-90s chevy TBI pickup.

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Originally Posted by Eckert

ditch the switch and run the relay from a 'key on' power source.

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The switch has never malfunctioned, the relay has twice.

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Originally Posted by mudtoy67

The relay is probably not meant for continuous duty. Go to the junkyard and steal a fuel pump relay off the firewall of a 80s-90s chevy TBI pickup.

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I agree, I think it is more of a "Fog Light" relay, but if possible I would like to just get rid of the relay.

what size is the main power wire for the pump?

buy a good switch - good for continous 20 amps or something.

The patrol is wired straight thru to a switch, no problems since I ditched the relay...

was that before or after Nick decided that you didn't need a fuse for the fuel pump

switch

after...

all of the wires in the dash burnt so I used the wire / switch running to the back for the rock lights for the fuel pump. Didn't like the location of that light anyway...

relays kick ass. keep the relay, but get a good one. and mount it right...no female blade connectors hanging off the terminals

I think I will try the switch, if worst comes to worst I can twist wires together if the switch craps out, I have had to do this twice now with the relay....

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Originally Posted by mudtoy67

Go to the junkyard and steal a fuel pump relay off the firewall of a 80s-90s chevy TBI pickup.

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Karl, you should have a relay. I run these relays for everything. GM used them on EVERYTHING in the late 80's-early 90's. They are weatherpack terminal relays and 99% of them have a bracket with two bolt holes to mount. I've got one that controls my fans, one for my fuel pump, and one for my on-board air all on the firewall next to each other. The only relay I have that isn't one is the relay for my hellas because I used the relay that came with them.

you can also order the bracket and terminals from waytek for like $1 each

http://order.waytekwire.com/IMAGES/M...ms/75280FL.GIF

http://order.waytekwire.com/productdetail/M37/75280

why is the computer not controlling the fuel pump? you need a relay for that, the transistor used to control the pump will not sink that current very long before burning up.

Crouch fuel injection does not use a computer to control fuel injection.

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Originally Posted by Fredo

Karl, you should have a relay. I run these relays for everything. GM used them on EVERYTHING in the late 80's-early 90's. They are weatherpack terminal relays and 99% of them have a bracket with two bolt holes to mount. I've got one that controls my fans, one for my fuel pump, and one for my on-board air all on the firewall next to each other. The only relay I have that isn't one is the relay for my hellas because I used the relay that came with them.

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Can I just snag one from Ho'reilly's. I don't really want to swing by the junk yard?

Perhaps something like this:

http://www.autozone.com/selectedZip,.../selectZip.htm

Yeah, you can snag the relay from the parts store, but the connector will need to come from the boneyard, but I guess you can just use spade terminals. I'll give you a connector next time I see ya if you remind me.

Or perhaps this little guy:

http://www.oreillyauto.com/EW3/Produ...&currentPage=0

Yeah, that's the relay. You still need the weatherpack connector for it. But like I said, you can just use spade terminals to get it going.

Karl I have a bagful of those relays and pigtails cause I snag every one I see whenever I hit up the yards. Next time you're in town give me a shout.

Fred do you just have a single 30 amp relay for your fan? I tried that with my windstar fans on my suburban and would burn up relays every month or so. I now have two relays per fan in parallel and, while ghetto, it has worked great so far.

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Originally Posted by afroman006

Karl I have a bagful of those relays and pigtails cause I snag every one I see whenever I hit up the yards. Next time you're in town give me a shout.

Fred do you just have a single 30 amp relay for your fan? I tried that with my windstar fans on my suburban and would burn up relays every month or so. I now have two relays per fan in parallel and, while ghetto, it has worked great so far.

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Can I get two? I need to wire up some lights.

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Originally Posted by afroman006

Fred do you just have a single 30 amp relay for your fan? I tried that with my windstar fans on my suburban and would burn up relays every month or so. I now have two relays per fan in parallel and, while ghetto, it has worked great so far.

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Yeah, I should really have two, but one has seemed to work out pretty well. The only time I've had a fan relay let go is when I burned up one of the fan motors. But, now that I've discussed it, it will probably become a problem.

I can deliver a relay to Karl on friday.

Pretty sure I have several relays new in box from jegs from our electrical order's. I can check when I get home tomorrow and give you a call if you need one.