I'm getting ready to do a good bit of work on the top end of my 302 . I need to know how to relieve the fuel pressure . I can not find the inertia switch , i was under the impression it was near the steering column in the cab but its not there .

Can i pull the fuel pump relay and run the fuel out in a similar way to poping the inertia switch and running it out ?

 

IIRC the inertia switch is under the front dash, passenger side near the hump, down low by the heater ducts.

 

Use the Shrader valve on the fuel rail..

 

I don't think these early years have a Schrader valve

 

Thank you , would have helped if i looked in the right place lol . There is a valve on the fuel rail that looks similar to a valve stem(pretty sure that's a schrader valve) . I'll look for the inertia switch in the right spot tomorrow .

 

Pulling the fuel pump relay works the same as the tripping inertia switch. I think it would be better to pull the relay than mess around with that inertia switch. I had a few of them fail after messing around with them.

 

The best way to do this, is pull the fuel pump relay. IIRC, it's the green one, right by the under hood power distribution box. I could have my year models mixed up....
Tripping the inertia switch can lead to it either not wanting to reset, or repeatedly tripping for no apparent reason.

Just take note that neither method will not fully relieve the pressure. The engine will shut off before the pressure drops to zero. It will generally leave 10-15 PSI in the rail, which is better than the ~40 PSI it would have normally.

 

Well crap ,I should have checked here again before i started. I ended up unplugging the inertia switch as the button on top did nothing . The engine then stalled right away . Here's to hopping I did not screw up the inertia switch

 

I think you'll be fine... there is a difference between tripping the inertia switch vs. merely disconnecting it.

 

Quoted for truth.
Very little chance of having residual issues from unplugging the inertia switch, unless you broke the retaining clip(s) for the plug.
In fact, it actually gives you a chance to check for corrosion on the contacts of the switch and inside the plug.......

 

I am careful with the plugs , i have learned my lesson on other things to not break the tab if you want it to stay put . i did look at the contact as well they looked good . Now i'm just stuck at the t40 bold on the intake plenum . wouldn't ya know i don't have any torx bits lol .I will be going to harbor freight Monday to get a set and a long skinny extension without a manual lock like the craftsman i have has .