I take apart two brand new cars a day at work. I work at a late model wrecking yard. Many of the cars are car-b-que's. After seeing many burnt cars I desided to put in a Holley low oil pressure fuel pump turn off switch. If the engine stopped so would the pump for safety. It was a great idea, but the thing was a pain. It was supposed to over-ride when you start the car. A wire from the starter solinoid jumps the pressure switch so you can start it. It worked but there was a nasty delay. So when you went to start it, it would crank forever before the fuel pump turned on. I was taking apart a 1999 Ford Escort the other day and it had an inertia switch in it. I installed it in the II this week-end. The switch could not be simpler. It is wired in-line and only has two wires on it. If the car gets hit or heavily disturbed the fuel pump will shut off. If the switch triggers by mistake it can be re-set by pressing a red button. The switch is very small and plastic. Sounds like it has a ball bearing in it?! Many newer Fords including Mustangs have the same switch if your combing the pick-a-part. Play safe
Good point, when i wired the 5 liter Mustang loom and computer (EEC) i also used the inertia switch in my Pinto. I don't want to be in a wreck and have my 340lph pump spraying fuel all over me or the car! If you have an electric pump USE AN ENERTIA SWITCH!
I have one of these as well as an Oil pressure cut-off as well. No oil pressure = no fuel pump. It saved my ass o0ne other time when the Dist gear roll pin broke. Most if not all ford's vehicles with electric fuel pumps have them, even some of the early carbed cars with a electric fuel pump.
I'd guess there's some type of steel ball resting on a circular magnetic contact. All you have to do is bump a curb and it'll pop that inertia switch. I also see a lot of burnt cars, because I'm the guy who picks up the wrecks from body/repair shops and transports and delivers them all to the junkyards. I suspect many of the fires are intentional insurance jobs, though.
