Im in the middle of puttin in a Comp 280 H cam and when I pulled the mech. fuel pump, the pushrod fell into the block about 1/2 inch or so. I tried to just pull it out, and tried to pry it out with a screwdriver. Neither worked. It seems to be pushed up against the block. I can't get the old cam out until i get that rod out of the way.

Does anyone have any ideas or a tip to get that thing outta there so I can put in my new cam. Thanks.

-Justin

 

If the block is right side up, and the rod fell down out of its passage and up against the block-off plate, then it's out of the way.

If the block is upside down, just turn the cam after you pull the chain and back off all the rockers, and the eccentric will push the rod up out of the hole enough to grab it.

 

Yeah the engine is still in the car. It seems like something is getting hung up on that second cam journal. Its a 305 so the crank counter weight shouldnt be in the way. Is it just getting stuck on a bearing?

 

So, you have a couple lobes already hanging out the front of the block? Try reinstalling the cam sprocket and turning the cam slightly to clear the obstructions.

 

Turn the crank about 1/8 turn; see if the cam is hitting on any of the rods.

 

If your worried about the pushrod still in the way, just take off the 2 bolts that are still holding the fuel pump mounting plate on.

And after that, as RB and Vader said install the cam gear back on the cam with a bolt or two, and use it as a handle to slowly twist the cam out. Just take your time, you'll get it out.