hot fuel pump relay, is this normal?

[countryjoe]

hi im a new member and have had a problem with the fuel pump on my 94 chim causing it to unexpectedly conk out and then not start again. on reading these very useful pages i worked out that it may be the fuel pump relay that was the problem. anyway, i took them out and blew on them a bit and now it has worked perfectly for a few days. however, the relays do get hot, i wondered if this was normal and does it mean i need new ones and these are on the way out?
i know there cheep to replace but im realy interested whether this was the problem or whether its still lurking somewhere. cheers, Dan

[chrispitman]

The relay is a common part to fail, they will get warm but if the contacts are failing inside then it will probably get hotter. I would just replace on the safe side.

[countryjoe]

cheers

[The AJP Griff]

Also well worth checking for good clean connections at the fuel pump itself.Poor connections here,wont help reliability and will also place a greater resistance on the circuit,causing more current drawn and heat in the circuit.Having said all that,the aluminium cover on the relay does tend to get warm/hot in normal use.

Edited by The AJP Griff on Tuesday 7th October 12:45

[countryjoe]

cheers