Should I replace my fuel pump or get a shop to do it?

[67ChevyRedneck]

Originally Posted by 70's luvr

I just did it last week. Did it all from underneath as was difficult from the top with the AC pump there. Without that it would be a breeze. I used grease to hold the rod up and bumped the motor over so it was retracted in the block

Yeah... I changed mine MANY years ago when I had no A/C. Piece of cake. Added a Vintage Air sanden compressor and bracket and it was quite the pain in the ass when I installed a new one recently. I also used a little dab of grease.

[sboris]

Originally Posted by Ironhorse

I've used a hack saw blade or long skinny screw driver many times to hold back the fuel pump rod. Just slowly remove the hack saw blade/screw driver as you insert and rotate upwards on the fuel pump being sure the pump arm is "under" the pump rod. Insert and finger tighten the mount bolts. I also use RTV on the pump housing with the gasket. Allow the RTV to "tack" some before installing the gasket.

I also have always packed the cavity of the fuel pump housing with grease as an old mechanic years ago told me GM fuel pumps were prone to not receiving enough oil to lubricate the pump arm after installed.

Anyone else do the grease in the fuel pump housing trick?

Yes I do the same thing. Especially if it's a vehicle that sits a lot.

[4oldcars]

JCD's way is the key. A scrap piece of tin will work.

[GASoline71]

I've changed probably 30 or 40 SBC and BBC pumps in my life. Never rotated the engine, never used grease, never used the "upper bolt", never used anything to hold the rod up in the block.

disconnect the fuel lines, and unbolt 2 bolts and pull the pump out. The rod will slide down against the pump plate. Grab new pump and while pushing the rod up with your fingers up into the block, make sure the pump arm is below the rod and put it in the opening and hold it there with the pump arm. Grab your 2 bolts put them through the pump body and get them started in the holes. It the rod is keeping the pump from seating all the way, keep slowly tightening the bolts a little bit one at a time until the pump sits flush with the block. If this happens you're actually depressing the pump arm (plunger) as you tighten. No biggee... reattach fuel lines and make sure not to put a twist in the metal line to the carb. Use flare wrenches...

Gary

[In The Ten Ring]

OK. I might try it today!

Thanks for all the advice. And, I've learned what "flare wrenches" are for.

[O'l Buck]

It's already been mentioned but I use the hacksaw blade method, Dad taught me that many moons ago.