So I bought a new fuel pump after the one I bought little over a year ago died a few months after I bought it. I installed the pump but shortly after that It burnt out. I'm thinking it did so because of a blockage in the tank so I dropped the tank and had it professionally cleaned. Now that I have the tank back I'm gonna get another fuel pump but before I do that I wanna make sure that it didnt burn out because of a voltage issue. I read that it has 12 volts when on but I'm wondering if it has to be lower than that. I would like to know just so I don't potentially blow out another pump.

As far as I know the fuel pump operates on 12 volts. Looking at the wiring diagram I don't see anything along the path of the power wire that would change that. Why do you ask? Have you altered the wiring to the fuel pump? Is the fuel pump you're using, by any chance, an Airtex/Master part number E8312 that many of the auto parts stores sells? If so that may actually be your problem. Here is one of the threads where that pump was discussed.

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32135&highlight=Airtex

It DEFINITELY runs on 12V. Check the running voltage to make sure it's adequate. It should be no more than 0.5V less than the battery/running voltage. Potential problem points on the '78 are (1) fusible link, (2) fuel pump relay, (3) large connector just inside firewall on passenger side. I had recurring problems with #3 -- caused by corrosion, resulting in arcing and melting of plastic. I eventually snipped that one wire from the connector and replaced with a bullet connector.

Okay thanks and no I didnt alter the wiring at all. It is however reading 12 volts so given that the two pumps I bought (one an airtex and one a carter) both failed I was wondering if it was an issue. Luckily I work in a parts store so I dont have to go through the hassle of trying to get my money back. I just had that question. Thanks.

Well if a factory pump is out of the question is there an aftermarket pump that would work best? Has anyone found one?

I've never found one.

I've heard that for the carburated cars, the Mazda Rotary Engine pump will work fine. It puts out 3-5 psi, from what I've heard.

Don't have the specifics though. Give Beandip a PM and he should be able to give you more details.

FWIW

E

This is about EFI, E. Need a little more pressure than that..........

Thanks Stephen, as always your a treasure trove of knowledge. I'm gonna do some more research with my down time at work and see if I can find an alternative. If anyone has a parts car with a good pump still in it shoot me a PM

I knew that EFI used higher pressure, which is why I qualified it to carburated cars.

I just didn't note the original poster's car.

Oops,

E