Last weekend I couldnt get my 73 Z started. I initially thought the battery was low as the car has been sitting for about a month. After charging the battery, still no go. I opened the fuse panel - to find the fuel pump inline fuse melted. I replaced the inline fuse but still no start. The electric fuel pump is not priming.

My questions:

1 - any ideas what would cause the fuse to melt beyond the obvious overload. Where would I start to find the reason for the overload?

2 - Its my understanding that the wiring goes to a relay by the passenger side kickpanel. Exactly what is the purpose of this relay?

3 - I plan on tracing the circuit and testing along the way - but where does this circuit start ( I assume it ends at the fuel pump)?

Its a stock 73 that only has the electric fuel pump. It does not appear that there was ever a mechanical fuel pump on this car.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Jim

Jim:

More than likely your Fuel Pump shorted out and caused the fuse to overload and melt.

The Fuel Pump is wired pretty much directly to the ignition switch AHEAD of any relay's in the car.

That Relay on the Pass. Kick Panel is more than likely the Accessory Relay which powers the Radio and the Heater Fan, or the Rear Window Defrost Relay, both of these receive power AFTER the ignition switch returns to "Run"

Start by checking the Fuel Pump at the Right Rear of the Car. Be careful as you are dealing with the Fuel Line, but get 12v+ to the GREEN wire of the pump. If it runs, then you need to continue checking. If on the other hand it's DOA, then you may have found your problem.

Hopefully this helps.

Enrique