tlunsford

While replacing the sending unti and fuel pump I have noticed that the wiring is totally exposed. The fuel pump that I purchased includes two crimp connectors (similar to the below pic) that also leave wires exposed. My assumption is that the part manufacturer understands these crimp connectors will leave the wires exposed. With this said, how can this setup be safe?? Why isn't a fire guaranteed when current starts flowing through these exposed wires? What am I missing here?

chris89883

ive always wondered about that a little, because i had to do my pump on my old 2000 chevy and the wires were exposed where they were soldered on the pump. but as long as the wires dont touch (arc) then it will be fine.

jhelrey

Spark starts fires... as long as there is no spark, no fire. Plus, there is no air while submerged in fuel so a fire cannot start anyways.

AlanS

But it's still a little freaky to see. As long as the connections are good, no spark. In some ways I suppose it's safer than trying to fuel-proof the connections, potentially introducing air into the mix.

Car companies, Ford included, are guilty of many things but I doubt Ford would follow any practice knowingly that was dangerous, pun intended, they've been 'burned' before - vis a vis the Pinto.

Correction - I HOPE they wouldn't.

Just call me Sean

iTrader: (1)

Where there are electric motors, there is spark. I've tested enough fuel pumps to know they do spark, but I don't know why the gas tank doesn't go KABOOM!!!

Fast Hampster

According to "field tests" some crazy russians performed - it's not really that simple to set fuel in the tank on fire. I heard about people throwing lit cigarettes into the tank, and nothing happened. I don't think it's a good idea to try it anyways lol. If electrical connection is good - there will be no spark at the connection point. And gas doesn't conduct electricity good enough, so there's no current between wires.

hackersmovie

Where the motor is, there is no air, so while a electric motor will spark when exposed to air, it won't submersed in fuel.

I've seen/heard the same thing. Gasoline is very hard to ignite (the liquid). The FUMES are what typically makes it go BOOM. I've SEEN someone throw a lit cigarette into a small bucket of gasoline and it just went out. Now, hold a lit match or cigarette just over the bucket..... BOOM!

So, while gasoline is a combustible liquid, it's actually pretty hard to ignite, the fumes however........

Just call me Sean

iTrader: (1)

Well the pump isn't totally submersed all the time.

I have thrown cigarettes into cups of gas and it put out the cigarette and didn't ignite the fuel.

AlanS

Is that under the category of "Hold my beer and watch this?"

Fast Hampster

I suppose that it's a good way to quit smoking