Fuel Pump Installation Question (C1, C2, C3)

[Christopher R.]

Installed a new fuel pump on my '62, and I'm wondering if I screwed something up. Now I'm afraid to start the car.

When I removed the old pump, the push rod easily fell out. I expected that. My experience is that these rods slide up and down in their bores pretty easily. Before I put the new pump in, I degreased and cleaned the old parts, including the rod. When I went to put the new pump on, I shoved the rod back up in its bore. I was surprised that it took some force. But then I remembered that I had degreased the thing. It was now completely without any lubrication. In fact, it stayed up in the bore. Didn't slide down. I was going to take it out and lube it, but then I got distracted. When I went back to the job, I forgot all about it and installed the pump over it.

Obviously I'm reluctant to go back under there and take the pump out again. I'm hoping some sage will reassure me that I don't have to. Or, when I start the car, is the rod going to wipe out the cam lobe on the first rotation?

[Joe L.]

Re: Fuel Pump Installation Question (C1, C2, C3)

Chris-----

It's a good idea to apply engine assembly lube to the fuel pump push rod shaft and ends. Also, it's a good idea to re-install a used rod in the same orientation that it came out of the engine (i.e. the same end on the cam lobe as was on the cam lobe when the rod was removed). However, neither of these things are critical. The rod will be adequately lubed by splash engine oil lubrication once the engine is started.

[Chuck R.]

Re: Fuel Pump Installation Question (C1, C2, C3)

I would pull the pump and play it safe as the cam lobe end of the rod should be heavily greased to prevent scoring the cam surface.

Chuck

[Kent K.]

Re: Fuel Pump Installation Question (C1, C2, C3)

Chris - Try a strong magnet to remove the fuel pump push rod so it can be lubricated for reassembly.
Kent #6201

[Chuck S.]

Re: Fuel Pump Installation Question (C1, C2, C3)

I'm with you, Chuckster! If there's a booger glaring at you from the dark, it ain't gonna' help to pull the covers over your head.

[Chuck R.]

Re: Almost as bad as dingle berries Chuckster

Nobody want's to even think (or in this case) read "do over" but this one is unavoidable.

Kinda like when I suddenly realized that my beautifully re-built and installed trailing arm assemblys had the spindle supports on the wrong sides.

I must have stared at them for twenty minutes trying to figure a way around the unavoidable end result.

I almost took up smoking wackey weed right then and there

So take heart Chris, your issue is extreemly low on the Richter scale of "Boo Boo's"

Chuck

[Roy B.]

Re: Fuel Pump Installation Question (C1, C2, C3)

If it took some force as you stated that means you installed the fuel pump end in to the hole.
I've seen where the pump arm has worn the rod end having a disfigured cup end to it. (not that important on the pump arm ).but I would not have it ride on the cam lop. Be safe remove it and turn it around.