isosceles

Before I completely rip all the skin from my hands trying to get at it, I'd like to know if anyone has replaced the fuel pump on a 79 L48. Did you reach the mounting nuts from underneath? Looks to me like I have to take out my A/C compressor and go at it from above. Any tips?
Thanks


[Modified by isosceles, 4:37 PM 12/22/2002]


[Modified by isosceles, 4:42 PM 12/22/2002]

Smokehouse69

Take the right front wheel off and you can reach the nuts over the top of the A-arm where it goes through the fender well. It'll take an extension about 12" long but it is a quick and easy way to get the bolts loose. I know, because I just replaced one about two weeks ago, and tore both of my hands up trying to get the bolts out with wrenches and sockets.
Finally after I crawled out from under the car I looked over the top of the brake rotor and saw a perfect straight shot to both the bolts. 5 minutes later I had both of them out.
I felt like a real dumbazz after that. :D

Scott78

Just as Smokehouse mentions, get a long extension and by removing the right front wheel. It's a straight shot right under the dust flap, still plan on getting a taste of gas on the hose removal though :D I too learned the hard way once, never again though.

GTR1999

Also don't forget to clamp off the gas line and use a longer bolt to hold the fuel pump rod from falling down. THe bolt goes in the boss in line with the pump rod travel on the front of the block. Remeber to replace the bolt when you're done or it will bind up the rod. Use Permatex#2 on the gaskets.
gary

isosceles

Woohoo! I just took the wheen off like you suggested, and BINGO. The General left a nice little slot in the fender well that provides access to the fuel pump.

Thanks Smokehouse!! Now I'll be able to open Christmas presents with skin on my hands! :)

Smokehouse69

I've found that if the block is cold, that a good glob of grease on the rod will hold it up into the hole without any problem. Just glob it on and poke it up into the hole. I've always been afraid of putting in the longer bolt, I'm so damned simple-minded at times, I'm afraid I'll forget it. :lol:

GTR1999

Yes, you are correct Steve, I've used that trick too. either way should work fine.
:thumbs:
Gary

dman535

Here is the bolt hole that can be used to hold the pushrod in place:

isosceles

The new pump is in finally! I used the glob of grease trick. Even after I got the pump mounted, I had a hard time getting the fuel supply line reconnected. GAH I hate those fittings. I know better than to try and thread them with a wrench on the nut, to I literally wore my index finger raw trying to get it to start. Finally I adjusted the 90 degree fitting and it started thread. thanks for all your help!!!

Now I am staring at a box of front end rebuild stuff from Van Steel that I bought my Vette for Christmas. The video I got from them was shot with the body off the car. I was looking at the mounts for the upper A-arms on mine ( body on the frame) and it looks like another tight fit. We'll see how brave I get. I think most of the skin has grown back on my hands to give it another whirl!


[Modified by isosceles, 3:52 AM 12/28/2002]