Fuel pump reinstallation issue
 

my specs: 1984 Firebird 305ci LG4 v8

I managed to get the old fuel pump off (which came off without much effort), but when it came time to install the new one, it's not hooking in. My Chilton repair manual says, "on v6 and v8 engines, a pushrod between the camshaft eccentric and the fuel pump operates the pump". I can clearly see a copper rod in the cavity where the fuel pump's operating arm goes, but the arm won't fit no matter what angle I use. The manual also says, "if the pump pushrod is to be removed from the v8, remove the two adapter bolts and lockwashers, then remove the adapter and it's gasket." Does this mean I have to remove a plate in this area so that the pushrod can be retracted?

I took a look around and I'm not able to identify what the manual is talking about. :doh:

Anyone ever deal with this issue before or know how to explain this process to me a bit more in-depth?

Re: Fuel pump reinstallation issue
 

on the front of the block right next to the fuel pump boss are 2-3/8 bolt holes. One of them should have a short bolt in it, that hole runs into the mechanical pump pushrod. If you install a longer bolt it will hit the pushrod and hold it in place. So push the pushrod into the blockas far as it will go, hold it there, then thread in a longer bolt, dont make it real tight, dont want to damage the pushrod.

that will let you install the pump with little drama. Dont forget to put the shorter bolt back in when you are done.

Re: Fuel pump reinstallation issue
 

86TA, following your tips, I attempted to locate these 2-3/8 holes, but to no avail. The flat area where the pump connects has 4 screw holes: 2- 7/16 on the top half which appear to hold the pump in place, and 2-10mm on the bottom half which appear to do nothing.

I then inserted a skinny screwdriver through each hole, the two on the bottom didn't go very far and I was able to see them from the side (not sure what purpose they have), the top bolt holes I was able to get the screwdriver in a little further but I don't see that these even come into contact with the pushrod. I must be missing something.

I had another look around, this time with a bright led flashlight since daylight was running low and I still was unable to locate these bolt holes which allow me to hold/push back the pushrod.

Re: Fuel pump reinstallation issue
 

Can you get the bolts for the pump started?

Ive just used them to run it is before, if you can get them to grab.

Re: Fuel pump reinstallation issue
 

the holes are in the front of the block, not the side like the fule pump boss

Attachment 411004

the one you want in circled

another trick is to lube the pushrod in the block with grease to "stick" it into the bore and hold it there while you inhstall the pump. but i would rather use the bolt method

Re: Fuel pump reinstallation issue
 

With the fuel pump out, you'll need to REALLY grease up the pump push-rod pretty good to get it to stay in place. Once it stays in on it's own, push the lever for the fuel pump in (this part can be a pain) first and get it to seat on the push-rod. Then it's just a matter of keeping the gasket on the fuel pump and getting the damn bolts in. Having a second set of hands really helps because of the spring on the lever is hard to handle with one hand while trying to get the bolts started.

Re: Fuel pump reinstallation issue
 

Ok, got it back on, you guys are great! That diagram with the bolt circled in red helped alot. It's hard to see under there due to caked on road/oil sludge and lack of using a degreaser (that will be a project in its own much later from now). The actual size of that pushrod retaining bolt was 9/16. I managed to remove that fuel pump plate and the pushrod fell out and hit the cement with a distinct clang noise, but no damage took place. Cleaned up pushrod, stuck it in thick grease, and jammed it inside the engine and it stayed (I used a pin punch in the hole to make sure the rod didn't fall out but the grease pretty much held it up there. I then stuck a new gasket on the plate, and screwed it back on. The pump was then able to be installed without interference from that silly pushrod. Lining up the top bolts was tricky, but I used my ratchet extension to get em started.

Oh, and denatured alcohol is a great cleaner and old-nasty-gasket remover; just make sure to wear protective gloves while using it.

Just when I thought everything was going as planned, I was unable to screw in the fuel sending line, it simply would not screw in. I tried holding it straight while attempting to get the bolt going in, but the threads simply would not grab :crazy:

I feel like it's going to break, off if I force it too hard. What are my options here?

-Wiggles