Electric fuel pump

[66plymouth]

Hey guys, where can I tap into a good 12v source for wiring an electric fuel pump. I realy don't want to wire it through a toggle switch. I'd like to run it off the ignition key. Thanks.

 

[Yatzee]

You should really run the pump via a relay which is triggered by the ignition switch "Run" position. You can source directly to the battery for the power side but make sure to put an inline fuse of the proper amperage that the pump will draw. It is also advisable to run the pump's ground to the oil pressure switch in the event of an accident or roll-over. No oil pressure- no run on of the pump. You can also buy special switch units for this purpose. Under no circumstances use an ignition switch wire to power the pump directly as the gauge will not be heavy enough for the load the pump puts on the wiring. Barring this advise, buy a couple fire extinguishers and a fire suit.

 

[zyzzyx]

You touched all the bases! Great!

 

[65hemi]

I have my electric fuel pump powered through a relay as described above. The relay is connected to the radio wire in the underdash wiring harness, since I don't have a radio. When I turn the key, the relay gets energized and the pump starts running. I also have a toggle switch under the dash to deactivate the pump. You can probably find other free connectors in the wiring harness if you happen to have a radio.

You can get a relay kit like this: http://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/edl-1795/overview/

 

[Shorthorse]

I've read that you shouldn't connect components directly to the battery. It has to do with the voltage regulator circuit not being able to sense the draw and the component always drawing on the battery. It sounded logical but I can't explain it. Maybe someone else can.

 

[66plymouth]

65hemi, the radio is a great idea as a good ignition power source for the relay. I am also going to try test the cigarette lighter, because I never use that. Yatzee I like the oil pressure ground idea, I'm also going to do that. So besides the radio and cig lighter any other good ignition sources if those don't work? Thanks Guys.

 

[Shorthorse]

Unlike the radio power your cigarette lighter is fused from the un-switched side of your fuse panel. It should have power at all times.