Electric Fuel Pump, Is a relay needed?

[KrazyKarl02]

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?

[Eckert]

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

[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.

[KrazyKarl02]

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

The switch has never malfunctioned, the relay has twice.

[KrazyKarl02]

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.

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.

[Eckert]

what size is the main power wire for the pump?

[redcagepatrol]

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...

[AggieTJ2007]

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

[BroncoJo]

switch

[redcagepatrol]

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...

[uglyota]

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

[KrazyKarl02]

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....

[Fredo]

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

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.

[uglyota]

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



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

[robertf03]

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.