Electric fuel pump wiring
#1
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 397
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From: Kemah, Tx
I searched all over online but can’t seem to find any info on fuel pump relay mounting. My pumps are low pressure Carter’s for carbs, only supporting 400hp each.
I understand the oil pressure switch, momentary bypass for priming the bowls, etc. but I can’t find any examples of where the relay is being installed?
Surely there is a spot on the engine on a newer efi Merc, but old school carb/distributor only type deals where is everyone mounting fuel pump relays? All the way up in the dash? Is no one using a relay? As I found it, mine is direct from ignition switch key on power... sketchy
I understand the oil pressure switch, momentary bypass for priming the bowls, etc. but I can’t find any examples of where the relay is being installed?
Surely there is a spot on the engine on a newer efi Merc, but old school carb/distributor only type deals where is everyone mounting fuel pump relays? All the way up in the dash? Is no one using a relay? As I found it, mine is direct from ignition switch key on power... sketchy
#2
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 4,198
Likes: 500
From: KY
As I found it, mine is direct from ignition switch key on power
If you want to install a relay, then it would be located on the motor and the relay coil is powered by the key switch. Would need to add a fuse feeding the pump
#4
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 312
Likes: 5
From: Avon, OH
I need to wire mine as well. Looks like holley pumps only draw about 4 amps so direct from ignition switch means one less relay to fail. As long as the switch is fused and the wire from the switch is large enough gauge, it should be good? Thoughts?
#5
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Joined: Oct 2013
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From: SF Bay Area
I personally setup a painless fuse/relay block in my bilge that has 4 relay circuits and 3 continuous power circuits off of the fuse block. I tapped into the Merc purple wire to turn on the relayed circuits for ignition, pumps, etc and it cuts everything when the tether is pulled. The continuous circuits supply the stereo memory, bilge pumps etc. I found most of the stock wires to be rather undersized for any upgrades.
#6
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 312
Likes: 5
From: Avon, OH
I decided to go with the dual relay I found at Concours Specialties ? Custom Switch Panels and Electrical Systems
No affiliation. I’ll let you know how it comes out. What sold me:
1. Waterproof housing
2. Integrated fuses
3. Pre-Wired
No affiliation. I’ll let you know how it comes out. What sold me:
1. Waterproof housing
2. Integrated fuses
3. Pre-Wired
#7
I would not mount any relays on the engine unless they are specifically designed to be there. Too much vibration. My fuel pump relay sits on a small panel mounted to the transom close to the engine. There are water resistant relays available..
#8
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,888
Likes: 148
From: SF Bay Area
I decided to go with the dual relay I found at Concours Specialties ? Custom Switch Panels and Electrical Systems
No affiliation. I’ll let you know how it comes out. What sold me:
1. Waterproof housing
2. Integrated fuses
3. Pre-Wired
No affiliation. I’ll let you know how it comes out. What sold me:
1. Waterproof housing
2. Integrated fuses
3. Pre-Wired
#9
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 312
Likes: 5
From: Avon, OH
I was thinking of mounting them next to the fuel pumps likely on the front wall of the bilge in front of the engines. Shouldn't really be much vibration or water for that matter.
#10


