What's that thing called and why aint it moving?

[Texas1971]

Wasn't getting any gas pumped from the fuel pump (new stock part on '68 sb 327). Took the pump off to look at that rod that contacts the pump arm and the cam(?) Shouldn't that piece move back and forth as the engine is turned? Thanks!

[Texas1971]

The push rod ... does any one know if it moves up/down, rt/lft, in/out. I think mine is stuck - bad. Aside from running an electic fuel pump, is there any experience on unsticking this baby?

[AO50]

Pull the rod out inspect and grease it, it may just be a faulty pump. It could also be a worn cam lobe

[Texas1971]

This thing wont move in any direction ... visegrips and a BFH, maybe?

[jerry moss]

i've seen people over tighten a bolt used to hold rod in place-the one you screw in from the front of the block. if that happened, you're in for a fight getting the rod out.

[rage'nrat638]

this is not a good thing..
yes it should move up and down freely. it get's it movement from the first lobe (eccentric) on the cam and drives your fuel pump.

if that fuel pump push rod is frozen then chances are the cam lobe is wiped out as well.
this means you have metal shavings floating around in your engine
i wish i had some easy breezy way to tell you how to fix it.

if the engine still runs? it's time to install a electric fuel pump and a block off cover on the mounting hole.
and drive it.

mean while start your quest looking for your next engine.
they might be able to get it out at the machine shop.
but if the inner bore of the hole is all jazzed up.. not good

this would be real hard to fix with the engine in the truck.

let us know what your next step will be. theres a few things you could try, but if you want to drive or have to drive the truck. the last thing you want to do is make it worse and not be able to run it at all.

mark

[72armyswbtruck]

Rage-n-Rat got it correct.
Also, silly question sort of:
So you unbolted the fuel pump (2 bolts)
Then you unbolted the plated (2 more bolts)
And no the bolt still won't go up or down
Is this correct?
Did you try to loosen up the bolt on the front of the block?

[Texas1971]

great idea ragin'rat! Block it off and run it with an e-pump. Any serious recommendations by reputation or experience in an electric fuel pump?

[rage'nrat638]

Holley makes a nice one. i think the blue or red will be right up your alley..

one of those don't require a pressure regulator. thats the one to get..spent as little as possible. as there might be trouble down the road with this engine. no need to spend a ton of cash for something you won't be able to use later.

your pal mark

o yea change the oil.

[cdowns]

i'd check the front of the block and see if the bolt is tightened down holding the push rod stationary if so remove bolt get shorter bolt and check push rod for burrs then install fuel pump

[special-K]

If the rod is stuck away from the cam,you`re ok.I`d want it out of there,though.

[old Chevy guy]

I know your original post was a couple of days ago but if you didnt find your anser yet let me add this. If the pump is off and the plate the pump mounts to is on you wont see that rod move.That rod slides downward away from the cam when the pump is out,the spring tension from the pump arm holds it up. when the pump is out you could test it by hooking up the infeed to a hose in a little can of fuel and manually squeeze the pump arm to see it pump. If you unbolt that plate the pump mounts on that rod should come right out. Id be really interested to know what happens let us know.

[stllookn]

Was the engine running before you replaced the pump? The rod moves up and down and the bolt everyone is talking about is installed to hold that rod in place so you can replace the fuel pump. Otherwise the rod keeps dropping down when go to put the pump in place...unless you are very quick and have done this alot. The bolt that will pinch and hold the rod is on the front of the block just around the corner from the front bolt on the fuel pump. It takes a 9/16 wrench...just back it off a couple of turns and see if the rod will move up and down. If it was tight an running...change the oil and FILTER!

Let us know.