C3 Fuel Pump

[John Wissocki]

I need help ! I removed the fuel pump on my wife's 1977. I didn't realize the push rod would move. It seems to be all the way down. I tried to reach it with my fingers to see if it would lift up, it didn't want to move. What did I do wrong? How can I lift the push rod up so I can install my new pump?

The service manual I went by just said to remove it and reverse for installation. Another manual said to remove a bolt, re install a 2" in it's place before removing the old pump, this bolt will hold the push rod in it's place. I wish I would have read the second manual first, what now?

[george romano]

Re: C3 Fuel Pump

Simply remove the fuel pump mounting plate. It is attached to the block with 2 bolts. Once the plate is off, pull the pushrod out. Apply grease to the cam end of the rod, and reinsert it. The grease will hold it in the up position. Reinstall the plate with a new gasket, and bolt the fuel pump on.

If you are uncomfortable using grease (I have done it this way for 20 years)you can remove the bolt/plug in the front of the block, and use a longer bolt. The longer bolt will actually contact the rod, holding it in the up position. Tighten the longer bolt by hand only. Make sure to replace the long bolt with the original before starting the car.

George

[Larry Barickman]

Re: C3 Fuel Pump

The pushrod rides on a cam lobe. The pushrod may be extended (or on the high side of the lobe) which will make installing the new pump difficlut because the arm will be under tension. You may need to turn the engine until the pushrod can be push as far up as it will go and then follow the directions above.