Thread: Electric Fuel Pump

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I have a 1980 El camino and was wondering where on the fuse block would be the best to take power for the electric fuel pump? Or is the power better taken from somewhere else?

Off the run position of the ignition switch. For additional safety, use a Hobbs switch that reads oil pressure and makes the electrical connection for the pump only if there is engine oil pressure. A push button override switch could allow the pump to operate before you try to start the motor if you want to prime the carb.

Tech inspector's advice is right on.
I have a Hobbs switch with primer button on my roadster.

One thing you should pay attention to is how much voltage at the pump with the wiring you plan to run.
I found it to be fairly low in my car since the fuel pump wire went from source to fuse to ignition switch to Hobbs switch to pump.

Voltage was low enough that it probably contributed to the short life of a couple of my Holley pumps before I figured it out.

A constant duty relay with short run of ten gauge - the relay operatiorn supplied by the original wiring - and a short run of 14 gage to the pump had pump voltage matching battery voltage of 12.8 with engine off.

Seems like the voltage was in the mid 11's with engine off in the original configuration.

you can also run the prime wire to your starter. The fuel pump will run on the starter circuit as the engine is being cranked. As the engine oil pressure opens the fuel pressure switch the pump will run on the ignition switch circuit as long as the engine has oil pressure

Good diagram and a good plan!!! Thanks Mike....

Originally posted by Dave Severson
Good diagram and a good plan!!! Thanks Mike....

thats the way i've always did it. lot less wiring.

Another tip I posted a few years ago that I will refresh is the mounting of the pump. These things will really resonate through the car if you don't isolate them from the structure of the car. Go down to the local Pep Boys or other auto center and get some of the muffler hangers that have the thick strips of rubber attached to them. Cut the hangers off and use the rubber to bolt to the car, then bolt the pump to the other end of the rubber. You've effectively isolated the brrrrrrr of the pump and life will be easier.

It does not have to be a 600 hp pump to make lots of noise !!Use the rubber.

I just put a Carter in an 83 Blazer and did it just like the above diagram shows, it came with a special switch which T's into the existing switch, only thing different, they reccommended an in line fuse, so I went ahead and installed it. AL

Originally posted by Ultra AL
I just put a Carter in an 83 Blazer and did it just like the above diagram shows, it came with a special switch which T's into the existing switch, only thing different, they reccommended an in line fuse, so I went ahead and installed it. AL

what ever works for you.