Installing electric fuel pump - do I need a relay?

[BruteForce]

I installed a gear drive for my camshaft, which precludes using a mechanical fuel pump. So, I bought an electric one. The instructions say it must be "fused at 3.0 amps." Does this mean I need a relay? Anyone have a particular relay in mind?

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Absolutely run a relay, any automotive relay radio shack or something has.

[Chryco Psycho]

I agree why not use a relay , although 3 amps is a very low load for a std switch

[MEK-Dangerfield]

A standard switch should handle 5 amps without a problem. It's your call as to useing a relay or not.


  Mike

[GoodysGotaCuda]

more consistant voltage, keeps the heavier wires out of your dash and such. you can trigger the relay from the ignition key to run the fuel pump if you want it more convienent. The amperage will likely spike everytime its switched on, probably 7amps or so. The constant pull of the pump is 3amps. just my 2cents

[nivvy]

I dont have a relay on my 499.... no problems yet but I may run one in the future!!! I use a fuse panel that is activated on the the key and of course fused!!!!! I also have toggle switch hidden that turns off the electric fuel pump... kinda like a anti-theft device....

What watt fuse do you guys reccomend that I should be running my electric pump???

Also I am getting ready to run my electric water pump to free up some HP  I guess you reccomend realying that as well...

[Chryco Psycho]

Definatly use a relay on the wate pump & 15or 20 amp fuse for the fuel pump

[BruteForce]

I just ordered relays from www.allelectronics.com. It's hard to beat the price at $2.40 for the relay and $2.00 for the socket. Part numbers RLY-351 and SRLY-2

[BruteForce]

I finally got the fuel pump itself installed. I was originally going to stick it in the engine compartment, but eventually thought it would be better off next to the tank. I put in an upstream prefilter.

[cowboy]

-
Have you tryed it out, yet..

I see no rubbers between pump and car...

I got rubbers between there on my car, anyway the pump make all of the car shakin, and make a terrible noice..!!!
 

[Chryco Psycho]

filters on the suction side are a bad idea , clean it often

[BruteForce]

I haven't tried it out yet - I won't put gas in until the engine is ready to run. I hadn't thought of using rubber washers, it's a good idea. I've also seen other setups that had extra filters on the input side. Well, if it doesn't work, it's easy to take out. With the glass part of the filter, I can at least see if it's working.

The relay is now mounted under the dash. I haven't put the wiring or switches in yet.

[hemiken]

Hey Brute,

I personally would not use the glass filter you have as they are prone to break easily especially where you have it mounted, a rock or stone could smash the glass.  These glass filters are sometimes marked incorrectly for gas flow aswell.  You should try blowing through the filter to work out which way it should be mounted.   Take my word for it as i have found these filters on many hotrods and people scratching their heads trying to work out why the gas will not keep up to the carburetor.  Well worth checking.

[GoodysGotaCuda]

My filter is on the suction side, and it is huge. No issues with mine so far. Also be leery of that glass filter like said...

[422STROKER]

I had a glass filter break under the hood of my 66 Charger, wasn't pretty.  Luckily for me I was home and a wash bucket was close.

Tom

Pump looks good, I would put a couple of Rubber Bushings for sure.