Guys, I am working on a non running brat. I got the replacement engine installed. After sitting for 15 years, it lives! But only until the starting fluid runs out. I am not getting fuel. I put an 83 EA81 in it and was wondering if the fuel pump has to get some sort of signal to turn on. I have yet to test the circuit but was just wondering if the fuel pump is always on (when it demands) or if something in the wiring tells it to turn on at a certain time and the older engine may not be sending the signal. At worst case I will put an new fuel pump in or rewire it or both. Please tell me what you know. thanks.

The special fuel pump relay in your car needs to see ignition pulses to run the pump.

 

Make sure all the wires are still on coil negative.

 

You should have 12V at the pump w/cranking.

You should be able to hear the pump run for a couple od seconds when you turn the ignition switch to the RUN position. If you don't then you need to check the fusible links and fuses for a problem there. If that is ok then the relay needs to be checked.

 

The pump will shut down if the ignition isn't working but it sounds like that isn't your problem here. Regardless you should be able to hear it turn on with the ignition switch as I stated.

Could be wrong,but,I don`t think the carbed cars run the pump at all w/o cranking.

The FPCU runs the pump for 1.5 seconds at key-on. Then waits for a tach signal.

 

GD

Where is the fuel pump relay and how do I check it? I bought this from a guy who just wanted to beat it and as far as I can tell did a lot of half-a**ing it. I put the wires back on the coil and the tach does move when I crank it. Should I have someone crank it while I test for power at the pump? Did switching years of motors have anything to do with it? Thanks, baffled in Iowa.