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Jul 10, 2008 | 08:07 PM

BassCat

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 445

Likes: 2

From: Thomastown Mississippi

I need Help!

I'm trying to install a new fuel pump on my 77, L48 stock 350. I read the instructions, removed the old pump with no problem. However, I cannot get the new pump back on. The instuctions say if it is a pushrod type, the lever on the fuel pump must go under the pushrod that's inside. I can see a pushrod inside the housing, but I can't move it up or down. It seems to be all the way down. There's no way I can get the lever on the fuel pump to go behind the pushrod. I've tried for 3 hours to get the two bolts started that hold the pump on, with no success. The pressure of the lever against the pushrod is preventing me from pressing the pump flush against the motor. What am I missing and doing wrong? The instructions aren't super clear, but I know I'm missing something. The old pump fell right out when I removed the two bolts, and didn't seem to have any pressure against it. Need some advice. I'm stumped.
Kenny

Jul 10, 2008 | 08:21 PM

Bronze76

Racer

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 269

Likes: 0

Are you able to get someone to help turn the engine over by hand while you watch the fuel pump pushrod? If so, maybe the engine can be turned to the proper spot where the pushrod is as high as possible.

You'll probably have to push the rod up manually after the engine is turned a bit because it will just sit there (or maybe fall out). I do not know if the rod has a tang that prevents them from falling out or not.

As far as I know, there is an eccentric cup on the front of the cam gear that runs the fuel pump with a short rod. Really not sure though. It's been about 15 years since I've rebuilt an engine.

Hope this helps.

Jul 10, 2008 | 08:21 PM

tjl82

Advanced

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 88

Likes: 0

From: PORT ST LUCIE FLORIDA

try this there is a bolt in the front of the block you can remove and install a longer bolt, make sure the push rod is in the up position install the longer bolt that will hold the rod up so can slide the fuel pump lever under the rod then you can bolt the pump up then make sure you take the long bolt out in the block and install the shorter [original] bolt, if the rod doesn't go up with your fingers put a small screw driver in front of it and gently pry it to move it to the upper position then secure it with the bolt

Jul 10, 2008 | 09:23 PM

BassCat

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 445

Likes: 2

From: Thomastown Mississippi

I grabbed the pushrod with needlenose pliers, but it wouldn't lift up. I'll take the spark plugs out and rotate the engine by hand. Guess it has to be in a certain position.

Jul 10, 2008 | 10:03 PM

LYLE

Melting Slicks

Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 2,140

Likes: 7

From: Ohio

If you take the little cover plate off you will be able to push it up. No matter what position the engine is in it should go up some. Turning the engine their will be better spots but I would just use the starter with the coil wire off so it can not start. It don't need to be perfect. Heavy grease will hold the rod up just smear it on. If you use the bolt method just snug it enough to hold the rod or you can damage the shaft.

Jul 11, 2008 | 10:24 AM

smon

Racer

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 495

Likes: 1

From: Lubbock TX

i couldnt lift the rod with my fingers or pliers either. I was able to get a small hacksaw blade inbetween the rod and the plate and get it to go in.

Quote:

Heavy grease will hold the rod up just smear it on.

you will spend hours trying to get it to stay up without the grease

Jul 11, 2008 | 01:18 PM

rclinton

Pro

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 718

Likes: 7

From: Jacksonville , NC

I had the same situation. For some reason the rod does get into a position where it cant be pushed in. Take the plate off, smear grease on the rod to hold it in place, (you can also use a longer bolt on the bolt hole on the front of the engine to hold the rod in place) push, ( do not lift) the rod all the way in. the grease, and certianly the bolt will keep the rod from moving back down. Bolt everything back in place. The larger bolts will pull the pump into position. Take out the longer bolt and replace with shorter one.

Jul 11, 2008 | 01:34 PM

tfi racing

Drifting

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 1,832

Likes: 36

From: Cedar,BC

Use a small pick or piece of coathanger wire bent into shape to hold the rod in the upper position,slip the arm in,remove wire,install bolts.Done it at least a thousand times!