sammyb

Arrggghh!!!

I finally got the fuel lines hooked-up to the new fuel pump on the '69 (only spilling about a gallon of fuel!)

Now I can't get the farging bolts to engage back in and get the fuel pump to sit flush. I can't get the rear bolt (closer to the firewall) to engage at all.

Is there some type of trick to this?

HELP!!! I'm at that point where I've been battling this 20 minute project for 3 hours and I'm about to roll the thing out into the driveway and throw a match on it.

ORVette

Does the new pump have a thicker mounting flange? Is the pump rod located properly? Gotta be something simple. Good luck!

norvalwilhelm

Is the fuel pump push rod in properly and held in place with a bolt from the front of the block temporarily.
Normally the push rod in pushed in , a bolt inserted from the front of the block trapping the feul rod in place then install the pump, remove this bolt and block the hole.
At least that is how I did it in the past.

7Bob3

Need alittle more info. Prior to removing the old pump did you set at TDC #1 and secrure the push rod with a pinch bolt?

79VetteMike

This is your problem. :iagree:

sammyb

Okay...yes, the fuel pump rod was in the way, but here's problem number 2:

I can reach in and push the rod up, but it falls right back down. The only bolt/hole is the one that is obviously used to get the rod out (nothing on the side...this is a '73 454 engine.) I can't even get that bolt out, because it's basically a 7/16th square bolt, and I don't have anything (like a socket) that can get it out (there's no room to move a spanner/wrench)

Any ideas?

Larry B.

The bolt mentioned in previous replies is not there on BB's..... so that's not an option. just put a dab of the thickest grease you can find on the upper end of the push rod and around the shaft. push it up as far as possible If it is still in the way bump the engine over to get the cam in another position and try again. I know it can be a PIA but it's the only way to do it.

OkieVett

I feel your pain, I almost put a bullet in mine while I was doing that job. I finally used alot of disc brake grease to hold the rod in place while I started the pump bolts

guppie

:iagree: I used the ole grease trick, it works. I also took my ac compressor loose so it was a lot easier to get at the bolts. Of course that was on a 78 with an R4 compressor. I know it sounds like a lot of work but it sure went in easier. :cheers:

Jughead

:iagree:

bigvette1

Use the blob of grease but bring you engine to TDC on #1. It puts the lobe on the circle to let the rod go all the way in. Then long extensions on the ratchet.

I have seen many posts here where people say this is one of the easiest jobs to replace on a vette. BB's with A/C and AIR and the hoses on make it a real challenge. SB's with all the stuff in the way are no real 1..2..3.. either.

73jst4fun

Use the heavy grease around the push rod to hold in place and install the plate then the pump, then the bolts...... :seeya

78whtshark

The thickest gease you can find is the trick!

That plunger is got to be up. and if you bump the engine make sure the coil wire is off and the plunger is out.

It is best if you can turn engine by hand with a large rachet.....

Koz

I used a bent hacksaw blade to hold up the rod and slid the pump arm under it. It was easy.. I have a Kwiklift and it helps alot if you can get underneith the car to do it. Good luck!

sammyb

Got some wheel bearing grease and after an hour or so of "fingering-the-hole, I was able to get the rod up and keep it up, long enough to engage the pump."

Too bad I knocked my milkshake into my otherwise clean engine bay. Didn't even realize I put it on the fender! :mad

Thanks guys! I appreciate all the help.

Sammy

Stewart's74

Got some wheel bearing grease and after an hour or so of "fingering-the-hole, I was able to get the rod up and keep it up, long enough to engage the pump."

My mind is really in the gutter this am :lolg:

dath

No kidding, then he goes and adds the part about making a mess with his "milkshake"... :rolleyes:

Corz

:skep: what the crap! :leaving:

sammyb

Sorry, couldn't pass up the opportunity...

Although it's true...I did have a strawberry milkshake...about a 20oz cup full. I took one drink and not even thinking I put it on the fender. I reached for the drop light and knocked it into the engine bay !!!! Made me even more frustrated!!!

BUT I took out the car this morning with the G-Tech attached. Picked up 50RWHP with the new fuel pump....so that was definitely part of the problem. I have the carb (Holley 750 double pumper) being rebuilt too. Now all I need is to replace the brake master cylinder and we should be ready for the autocross next week!

BB68Vett

Not to make you paranoid or anything but I once made the same mistake as you but in the process I bent the fuel pump pushrod. As I was tightening the bolts the pressure between the block and the fuel pump slightly bent the pushrod. It didn't seem right so I rolled it on a glass table to verify. I hope you checked it before re-installing.