Guys I know this is a noob question but I'm not getting a clear answer in my searches and I'm trying to understand....

So I'm going to be replacing the fuel pump in my Prelude. I've got the pump out and I've got the replacement.

To put the new one in as I understand it I need to butt connect the power and ground wires and then shrink tube the connection to make sure its solid and protected. I've been told to use Polyolefin shrink tubing as its supposedly more durable.

What I don't understand is how this is enough insulation/protection when its the whole thing is literally sitting IN fuel.

If this isn't 100% perfect, couldn't the fuel that the whole thing is submerged in theoretically provide a jumper between ground/negative and short out possibly sparking fuel in the tank? Am I missing something here?

 

12V is not near enough electrical potential to initiate a spark much beyond about a quarter millimeter.

Fuel will not spark without the presence of oxygen, submerged in fuel will almost guarantee no flame can occur. Coupled with low voltage, will never spark unless you mount the wires in such proximity as to create one.

The butt connector simply terminates the ends of the wires, the main enemy in your case is corrosion/heat expansion. Sealing the connector in shrink tape will add a level of safety as oxygen would need to permeate the connector along with fuel, AND with enough voltage, before a spark would occur.

Properly done I would rate your chances of blowing up the tank with those of an asteroid hitting you in the nuts, so long as you perform the repairs properly.

 

Thanks that explains it! I will definitely take my time and do the connections as good as possibly can. Not my first time using this stuff so I am pretty confident I know what I'm doing and can handle the job.