Fuel pump HELP

[adamforsythe]

I took my fuel pump off to paint it and the block. But now I don't know how to get the pump back onto the block. Tell my how.
This is a 350.
Thanks
Adam

 

[sled_dog]

Do you have an air pump? If not, look down at the bottom of the block next to the timing cover. There are 2 bolt holes here. The upper one should have a bolt in it. Pull that bolt and find a longer one the same size. Now push the fuel pump push rod up into the block, and tighten the longer bolt into the hole. This should hold the pushrod in place. Then just slip your fuel pump in, bolt it up, pull the longer bolt and install the smaller one. Done. I could be off about which bolt hole, its been a bit since I looked at the front of a small block.

That or pack the pushrod with petroleum jelly, stick it up in there slowly so it gets stuck in the pushrod hole then install the pump carefully.

 

[sled_dog]

yeah I was right, here is a picture:

 

[icer97]

Do you have an air pump? If not, look down at the bottom of the block next to the timing cover. There are 2 bolt holes here. The upper one should have a bolt in it. Pull that bolt and find a longer one the same size. I could be off about which bolt hole, its been a bit since I looked at the front of a small block.
QUOTE]
Thats the right bolt. Just be careful not to overtighten this bolt when holding the rod up, just get it fingertight. A bent fuel pump push rod can sound like a rod knocking! Make sure to use some thread tape or pipe sealent when reinstalling the original bolt, oil will leak out if you dont.

 

[adamforsythe]

Hey I could get a air pump from a friend.
Thanks
ADam

 

[sled_dog]

NO. You don't need it. If you have an AIR pump it uses that hole for mounting, so you can't do this trick. Thats why I asked if you had one.

 

[adamforsythe]

Yea I think I will just do the longer bolt trick. Now how hard is it going to be to push the rod? How does that rod move?
Thanks
Adam

 

[sled_dog]

it rides on a special lobe on the camshaft. It is not hard to push up. IN fact it should push up perfectly free. Just a matter of where on the camshaft it is. May require a slight crank of the engine to get it on a flatter spot on the eccentric. The return spring for the pushrod is inside the fuel pump so the pushrod itself moves pretty free.