Wibäck

Hi all

I just mounted a new mechanical fuel pump on my 1975 l-48. I lifted the pushrod with a screwdriver and inserted the pump lever. Since it took some wiggling before I had both screws fastened properly my question is this:

Is it possible to mount a fuel pump and in some way "miss" the pushrod or can I be certain that the pushrod is in place properly if I succeeded with fastening the pump?

Cheers
Fredrik

Alan 71

Hi Fredrik,
The pushrod COULD have missed the arm on the pump.
If you take the pump back off take the rod out coat it with heavy grease.
Push the rod back in place.
The grease will hold the rod up in place while you put the pump back on.
Regards,
Alan

terrys6t8roadster

Your fuel pump is operated by a lobe on the cam shaft similar to a lifter lobe. The position of the lobe can make pump installation more difficult if it is in the lift range. Also there are two holes at the front of the engine block approximately 2 inches apart with a vertical alignment. The top hole has a short bolt in it [3/8 x 16 1/2 long]. Remove same, it allows access to the fuel pump rod. I you use a 3/8 x 16 1 1/4 long bolt grind first 3/8 inch to 1/4 inch diameter push the rod up then install the tool you made and it holds the rod up. Make sure to remove and reinstall original bolt upon completion. T

Wibäck

The thing is that the pump is in place, but if I somehow dropped the rod so that it slid past the pump lever could I even mount the pump at all? Alan suggested it could be possible but I want him to be wrong (no offense). I got the pump in place using very little force.

Thanks
Fredrik

MelWff

it is possible but the engine wont run

Wibäck

Bleh... I guess you could be right then...
​​​​​​I'll take a chance and connect the hoses and see if it runs. If not I'll take it apart and do it properly.

Thanks guys!
Fredrik

Alan 71

Hi W,
What happens to the cam lob, the rod and the pump if you try to start the engine and the rod isn't positioned on the lever properly?
Regards,
Alan

Wibäck

Well, The rod cannot wiggle can it and neither can the pump lever? I see worst case that the rod slid by the pump lever and glided to the bottom, which means that the cam lobe cannot reach it. I was guessing nothing.

Thoughts?

Alan 71

Hi,
Personally I wouldn't take the chance.
I'd spend the time taking the pump back off, make sure the grease is holding the rod 'up', and put the pump back on.
Perhaps you're luckier than I tend to be.
Regards,
Alan

Wibäck

Alright buddy I hear you.
Thanks for your input! Appreciate it.

Cheers
Fredrik

Wibäck

I blipped the starter a few times just to see if there were any strange sounds or so. Everything sounded normal so I cranked it for a couple of seconds and it started right up.

Just to let you Know.

Cheers
Fredrik

Alan 71

Hi Fredrik,
Very Good!
Regards,
Alan

Jim71Vette

How can you be sure the pushrod has been pushed up all the way?
Every time I install a fuel pump the lever contacts the pushrod and it's a struggle to get the second bolt started.

Wibäck

If the pump mates effortlessly with the engine block the pushrod is high up enough. If not you need to turn the crankshaft in order to get the pushrod off the lobe on the camshaft.

Fredrik