Fuel pump install help
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 793
Likes: 10
From: Grafton MA
Fuel pump install help
Installing a fuel pump in a '71. I couldn't get the bolts to line up properly and noticed it's because there's rod in the way and I can't push the pump in properly. What's the best way to get the pump in?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 676
Likes: 36
From: Usa
Remove the rod coat it with bearing grease and reinstall then install the fuel pump. Be sure to push the rod in as far as possible the grease will hold the rod in the upward position which will allow you to to install the fuel pump and start the bolts. Be sure the fuel pump arm is centered on the rod and tighten the fuel pump bolts evenly.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 254
From: Catlett VA
Fortunately you did not try to force it by tightening up on the bolts. Then you would have had a real problem when you cracked the pump casting. That rod is the actuator rod that rides on the camshaft to operate the fuel pump as it gives a push every time the cam revolves. As gr8t73 suggested, the grease is an old school trick that still works.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,363
Likes: 1,059
From: Virginia USA
All above is correct. Even with the cam at it's low spot, which does make it easier to install fuel pump arm will need to be depressed a little so you'll feel a little spring tension when holding it against the block.
There is a bolt in the front of the block that you can take out and put a longer bolt in to hold the push rod in place while you install the pump. You don't need to crank it down just enough to keep the push rod from falling out. Just don't forget to put the short bolt back with a little thread sealant.
There is a bolt in the front of the block that you can take out and put a longer bolt in to hold the push rod in place while you install the pump. You don't need to crank it down just enough to keep the push rod from falling out. Just don't forget to put the short bolt back with a little thread sealant.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 933
Likes: 425
From: Dutchess county New York
First use your finger and see if you can push that rod back up in the hole. It might have just slipped down. If you aren't already you might try this from underneath - it's a little easier to see.
If it does go back up far enough then turn the fuel pump slightly so you can get the arm in and touch the bottom of the rod with it to hold it up. It rides on the pump arm normally anyway. I used my finger to hold the rod in place temporarily while I stuck the arm in. Just turn it upright and seat it. Should go in pretty easy.
If the rod doesn't go back up in that hole far enough that's why these guys recommended bumping the engine until it does.
Good luck
Pro
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 707
Likes: 147
From: St. Petersburg Florida
All above is correct. Even with the cam at it's low spot, which does make it easier to install fuel pump arm will need to be depressed a little so you'll feel a little spring tension when holding it against the block.
There is a bolt in the front of the block that you can take out and put a longer bolt in to hold the push rod in place while you install the pump. You don't need to crank it down just enough to keep the push rod from falling out. Just don't forget to put the short bolt back with a little thread sealant.
There is a bolt in the front of the block that you can take out and put a longer bolt in to hold the push rod in place while you install the pump. You don't need to crank it down just enough to keep the push rod from falling out. Just don't forget to put the short bolt back with a little thread sealant.
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