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i just put in a new fuel pump in my 74 vega with the 140 engine. when i took the fuel pump out the wires running from the top of the assembly were long thin strips of metal. can those be replaced with regular wire? cuz mine were all gunky and rusty and before i put my tank back in i tried to turn the key on to see if its working but theres no little buzz or any audible sounds from the pump

The fuel pump will not run without the engine running or cranking. The power comes through a oil pressure switch and if you don't have oil pressure the pump will not run. As far as the wires go, I don't remember having that type on my Monza bit the important thing to realize is that whatever wire you use has to stand up to being in gasoline. That may be why they used the metal strips. Spence can probably suggest the best wire to use........

Oh OK what about all those plastic strips they all fell off are they important? There was like 4 of them they looked like the metal strips I mentioned earlier

I believe that was your insulation from those wires "flat strips" If the metal is disintegrating what chance did plastic have? just what I am putting together from my memory and your description, Does this fit what you are seeing? Hope this Helps Harry

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The metal strips from the sender to the pump were originally covered in plastic; obviously, the coating deteriorated to the point where it fell off. You can replace them with wires, but it would have to be the right kind of wire with a fuel-resistant coating. Also, it goes without saying that the connections and terminals would have to me soldered. As far as sourcing the right kind of wire, almost every car on the road today has an in-tank pump; it shouldn't be hard to find a defective sender at an auto repair facility or junkyard to grab the wires from.

Ohhh so those plastic strips must have been the insulation for the metal strips I see because there's was a bunch of similar sized plastic strips that had peeled off

I think I'm going to replace the sending unit it's all corroded thanks for the help guys

IF it were that easy.......very hard part to find.

Yea it is an extremely hard part to find. I just rewired it and put it back in and I'm still not getting any fuel to the carb. Should I just go with an external electric pump?

Did you try jumpering across the two parallel terminals of the oil pressure switch plug? That'll energize the pump anytime the key is on.

Chuck

umm no i havnt the oil pressure switch is close to the oil filter right?

Yes, just to the rear of the oil filter on the side of the block. It should have a three terminal plug on it.


Chuck

ok ill give it a go so just connect them with a piece of wire right

A jumper wire with male 1/4" spade terminals on both ends will do the trick.

Chuck