Electric Fuel Pump Switch or Not

[Paul Bennett]

The existing wire from my electric fuel pump is 6" too short to reach the ignition switch so I'm wondering about adding a switch. I don't know how the previous owner had it wired. (or not)

Either I add an extention or add a switch. If I add a switch I will have to find a suitable location. Probably drill a vertical hole up into the dash would be less obvious and less obtrusive than a horizontally mount switch plate.

 

[BillM]

Some kind of safety disconnect is highly recommended to shut off the pump in case of an accident; such as an impact sensor, oil pressure sensor, or ignition sensor (see my website).

 

[A bones]

Switch, it may play with your confidence when you forget ( overlook ) its existence. Better to have and not need, than need and not have.

 

[quickchange34]

More important you need a relay to take the load off the switch.

 

[Fordestes]

Use a momentary contact for priming and wire the pump through an impact switch and a low oil pressre shut down for safety.

 

[Old Redneck]

I have a two way switch on all my electric fuel pumps. I just use for starting then turn off. After that only if vapes lock. I though all of us did it that way????

 

[Pat/Ohio]

I use a "momentary" switch on my pumps. The pumps are needed only to start after long periods of not starting or vapor lock situations. Pat

 

[corvette8n]

I just switched mine (no pun intended) to a momentary one from what the previous owner had installed.

 

[lafarm]

My 52 has Dual Fenton intake with no engine fuel pump just the electric pump runs full time, I need to order new fuel pump stand, pump, and push rod anything else? also was wondering if any interference with back carburetor, would like to just use electric pump when needed.

 

[Mart]

I have electric pumps with momentary switches on both my coupe and my roadster. I have mechanical pumps in place, fully working. I use the electric pumps to prime the carbs after sitting a while. In the back of my mind I think if the mech fuel pump failed I could rig the electric pump to get me home. That's never happened yet. Vapour lock does not seem to be a problem here in the UK. We have lower ethanol content and generally milder temperatures.

Mart.

 

[19Fordy]

Yes, the switch is worth adding.
I use an ON-OFF toggle switch under the dash.

 

[Ardun]

Some kind of safety disconnect is highly recommended to shut off the pump in case of an accident; such as an impact sensor, oil pressure sensor, or ignition sensor (see my website).

I think this is prudent and put an impact switch on 34 & 53. Easy to wire. Also used an oil pressure switch that cuts the fuel pump when no oil pressure on 53.

 

[Ford Freak]

Yes, the switch is worth adding.
I use an ON-OFF toggle switch under the dash.

Me too !

 

[Brian]

Why do you think you even need electric fuel pump- what is wrong with Henry's system?

 

[Steves46]

Me too !

Same for me.

 

[jrvariel48]

Toggle switch with impact switch on only when the key is on

 

[JSeery]

Why do you think you even need electric fuel pump- what is wrong with Henry's system?

Good point Brian, but we don't drive them or take care of them like when it was the primary transportation one owned! Let them set for a long period of time and they become difficult to start. There are other ways around the issue, but an electric pump is one.

 

[Paul Bennett]

Why do you think you even need electric fuel pump- what is wrong with Henry's system?

I bought a car which had an electric pump but I am fixing the deteriorated cotton wiring. In restoring the circuits on the ignition switch I just now got to the e pump and it's requesting attention from me. While one of the previous owners found it worthy, you do have a reasonable thought though.

More important you need a relay to take the load off the switch.

No relay is required when the switch is adequate, which it is.

 

[Curt in AZ]

Switch, momentary or toggle: up to you. A relay is not necessary for a single pump.

 

[supereal]

I have used an electric fuel pump for years to fill the carb bowl before cranking after setting for long periods. This reduces stress on the battery and starter. It did get me home once, too. I just use a spring loaded toggle fed by the accessory post on the ignition switch. After tuning on the ignition switch, I run the pump until it slows down or stops. You can hear it pulsing. After the priming, the car starts easily all day.