electric fuel pump question
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Oak Creek WI
electric fuel pump question
Hey guys,
I was reading a post from a guy who runs an electric fuel pump and the qustion about an automatic shutoff in case of accident came up. I am running a Holley Red pump in the back and a regulator in the front. The power is wired through the ignition. I always figured I would just kill the ignition if something happened. You guys made me think about what would happen if I crash and can't shut off the ignition. Would the pump keep pumping gas even if the engine dies? When I turn on my ignition, before I start the car, the pump is running and there is no problem. Wouldn't this be the same condition as a crash that kills the engine? I suppose if fuel lines get ruptured, fuel would be allowed to flow freely and under pressure. Is that what we are talking about? If so, I can see how this would be a problem. I suppose if nothing else, if I ever crash hard, I had better shut off the ignition switch immediately! I just started drag racing and I want very much to be safe. Right now it's a 425 hp ZZ383 but I plan to keep building this car for more racing, including a blower next season. Apparently over 700 hp is possible with this engine. http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/te...gine_dyno_test
I don't want to go back to a mechanical pump, but I'm getting nervous thinking about what could happen. Do you guys have any suggestions to make this setup safer?
Thanks guys!
I was reading a post from a guy who runs an electric fuel pump and the qustion about an automatic shutoff in case of accident came up. I am running a Holley Red pump in the back and a regulator in the front. The power is wired through the ignition. I always figured I would just kill the ignition if something happened. You guys made me think about what would happen if I crash and can't shut off the ignition. Would the pump keep pumping gas even if the engine dies? When I turn on my ignition, before I start the car, the pump is running and there is no problem. Wouldn't this be the same condition as a crash that kills the engine? I suppose if fuel lines get ruptured, fuel would be allowed to flow freely and under pressure. Is that what we are talking about? If so, I can see how this would be a problem. I suppose if nothing else, if I ever crash hard, I had better shut off the ignition switch immediately! I just started drag racing and I want very much to be safe. Right now it's a 425 hp ZZ383 but I plan to keep building this car for more racing, including a blower next season. Apparently over 700 hp is possible with this engine. http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/te...gine_dyno_test
I don't want to go back to a mechanical pump, but I'm getting nervous thinking about what could happen. Do you guys have any suggestions to make this setup safer?
Thanks guys!
Last edited by assassin 420; Oct 17, 2007 at 09:36 PM. Reason: spelling errors
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Any accessory powered by the ignition circuit will run when the key is in the IGN position on the switch regardless of the engine running or not. The start position just sends power to the starter and the IGN circuits are energized as soon as the key is moved out of lock.
There is a switch you can get that will cut power to the fuel pump if the oil pressure drops. Obviously it just mounts on an oil port and cuts the connection to the fuel pump.
There is a switch you can get that will cut power to the fuel pump if the oil pressure drops. Obviously it just mounts on an oil port and cuts the connection to the fuel pump.
