6.2 Mechanical Lift Pump Question

[WHITE THUNDER]

Took the old pump out to today. It had gone bad. After removing the plate that holds in the pushrod in it fell out (no damage luckily). I'm now not sure not sure which direction to re-install it.

I realize it looks to be identical on both ends, but I wanted to make sure.

One end has scuffs, the other does not and still looks polished.

 

[Vombrown]

Actually one end should have a small chamfer around it. That side goes into the block. The machined flat side faces out. I'm just being OCD for you, it won't make much difference which way you put it back in. Make a tool from flat stock or heavy wire works to hold the rod up until you can get the thumb of the pump in there and then pull out the wire.

 

[ridenby]

Pretty sure the rod goes either direction. With that one I would put polished end up.
This might help.

 

[diesel4me]

It's anyone's guess which way it was in there all that time--I would guess the scuffed up end was riding against the cam lobe,but who knows...I rather doubt a fuel pump has enough resistance to cause any undue wear on the cam lobe...
I would install it with the chamfer end "in" as Vombrown says--that makes sense to me..that would allow oil to build up and lube it in the bore in the block better..

While its true the parts may have "worn in" and reversing the rod will create a new wear pattern,it would probably take a long time for any excess wear to become evident..if it ever happens at all..

I recall dropping the push rod on my 350 in a K5 while changing the fuel pump and I just shoved it back in,never gave a thought it might matter which end faces in or out,and nothing ever came of it..

 

[WHITE THUNDER]

All of this makes sense. I'm being ocd by even asking, but I appreciate the advice. If only dealing with my crazy wife was this easy.

 

[Truckman4life]

Do 6.2Ls have the hole on the front of the block to install the longer bolt to hold the rod in like on a small block? If not my dad taught me to put grease on them to hold it up in the block while installing the pump.

 

[WHITE THUNDER]

Did the grease trick today...worked like a charm