Mechanical Fuel Pump Install Trick

[54blackhornet]

I recently decided to replace the original A/C Delco pump. On my 307. My first dilemma was actually finding a suitable replacement. I have determined that there is no source for an American manufactured pump. The first one came from O’Rileys (Precision Brand) had a damaged threaded fitting for the hardline to carb. I bought a Napa branded pump and took the hardline with me to confirm the connection was correct. I removed the old pump and backing plate. Cleaned up everything well. Also bought a new backing plate gasket and used Peratex High Tack Cement to hold the gaskets in place during assembly. The trick I found was to use these knurled Allen head bolts for the two holding the pump to the plate/engine. For those experienced getting the original bolts in place is a royal PITA. I also loosely installed the lower plate fasteners while I pre threaded the the top two, then tightened up the bottom two. This allows easy insertion of the pump bolt’s through the backing plate and into the engine block. The knurled heads allow finger tightening, then the use of a long Allen wrench for final tightening. I’m not going into the pump rod tricks. Most blocks have the bolt in passenger side front that you can remove to secure the pushrod. Mine did not so I used the grease method. I hope this might help those not familiar with the process.