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Classic/Antique Car Repair/Fuel Pump Relay 1982 Corvette

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Expert: - 3/25/2009


Question
Could a bad fuel pump relay cause the engine not to crank? My fuel pump will run continuously with the switch in the "ON" position. Is this normal?

Answer
This is not normal. The fuel pump should turn on for about 2 seconds to load the system when the key is turned off.The computer times this turn on. The fuel pump will stay off until the oil pressure comes up and then the oil pressure switch will turn on the fuel pump. This also turns the fuel pump off if the oil pressure drops like in case of collision and prevents flooding. The relay will not prevent the engine from cranking on the starter but can prevent the engine from running.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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