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04-06-2023, 04:45 PM | #1 |
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Mechanical Fuel Pump Install Trick
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.
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71 C-20 07 Magnum RT AWD |
04-06-2023, 04:53 PM | #2 |
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Re: Mechanical Fuel Pump Install Trick
Good added hack for FP install. For me the "glob of grease" holds the FP pushrod up while I otherwise install FP with the stock hex head bolts. Also, easier when #1 is TDC as the pushrod will be all the way up then.
Yeah, the one short bolt, 3/8 IIRC, you remove from lower PS of timing cover and then use a longer one to then hold up the PR is generally the way to do it. Just remember to remove that bolt and replace with the short one before starting motor. I have found though that hole sometimes is not there. |
04-06-2023, 05:25 PM | #3 |
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Re: Mechanical Fuel Pump Install Trick
The ''Grease Trick'' doesn't work in AZ, especially in the Summer. It just oozes away, and won't congeal. Might work in Michigan, or Fairbanks, IDK.
I was happy to discover the Bolt Trick. At least it works on my SBC. I don't have an operational big block currently. And L6s have direct contact with the fuel pump foot touching the cam itself. No pushrod needed. The issue of Quality Control of mechanical fuel pumps is a serious one. Not even AC Delco is trustworthy anymore. Mexico, Korea, Taiwan or China. Even an NOS, USA-made one might be compromised by modern fuel formulae. A couple of years ago, I went thru 3 in a row, until I got a pump that worked. One lasted a year, the next one didn't survive a trip Downtown. I think it's the Ethanol that's mandated to be infused with Mogas now. Eats the rubber in the diaphragm. But I'm not a big fan of electric fuel pumps.
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Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not. |
04-06-2023, 07:26 PM | #4 |
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Re: Mechanical Fuel Pump Install Trick
>>And L6s have direct contact with the fuel pump foot touching the cam itself. No pushrod needed.<<
And you would think it would be that simple. I've seen inlines with the new pump mounted upside down with can and fittings on the bottom and they had added an electric fuel pump.
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'67 GMC 2500, 292, 4spd, AC |
04-06-2023, 07:59 PM | #5 | |
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Re: Mechanical Fuel Pump Install Trick
Quote:
12-Bolt Tom ''solved'' the 292 passenger side mounting tower rarity, by coming out with a 292 mount that fits the fuel pump fittings amidships, like a 250, and requires a mechanical fuel pump. Not interested, myself. I have noticed, it helps to bump the engine so the cam lobe is ''away'' from the fuel pump foot when replacing an L6 fuel pump.
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Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not. |
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04-06-2023, 08:40 PM | #6 |
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Re: Mechanical Fuel Pump Install Trick
Back in the day when we replaced a SBC fuel pump we didn't really care if the push rod fell down. When we were ready to install the new pump we took a strong magnet and stuck it to the push rod and then bumped the engine over until the push rod could go all the way up. Then with the pump in hand and using a small screw driver holding the push rod up just slid the new pump in.
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04-06-2023, 08:46 PM | #7 |
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Re: Mechanical Fuel Pump Install Trick
we used a hack saw blade to hold them up back when...
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04-06-2023, 08:55 PM | #8 |
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Re: Mechanical Fuel Pump Install Trick
This is the truth. I actually used peanut butter. Didn't have grease and no way to drive. Fuel pump was out.
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04-06-2023, 09:09 PM | #9 |
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Re: Mechanical Fuel Pump Install Trick
Appreciate the additional suggestions fellas ! For the first timers installing a pump it can be a nightmare. The biggest difficulty most have on a V8 is trying to get the bolts started while simultaneously keeping the pump rod up. I over came it finally by making sure the two top holes in the plate aligned with the block holes. I read just about everything possible on the install, and did have a pretty decent recollection of the process but it’s still very frustrating at times. I can honestly understand why folks go electric.
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71 C-20 07 Magnum RT AWD |
04-06-2023, 09:10 PM | #10 |
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Re: Mechanical Fuel Pump Install Trick
Boy that is funny ! Ultimate American Ingenuity !
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71 C-20 07 Magnum RT AWD |
04-06-2023, 09:17 PM | #11 |
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Re: Mechanical Fuel Pump Install Trick
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04-06-2023, 09:57 PM | #12 | |
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Re: Mechanical Fuel Pump Install Trick
Quote:
My main experience had been with 292s. My buddy had to tell me there was a pushrod involved. So I got the old one off the blown-up motor, put it in, and it started!
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Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not. |
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04-06-2023, 10:20 PM | #13 | |
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Re: Mechanical Fuel Pump Install Trick
Quote:
"There's a rod in there?!?!?!?!" I had no idea. |
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04-07-2023, 12:48 AM | #14 | |
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Re: Mechanical Fuel Pump Install Trick
Quote:
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Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not. |
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04-07-2023, 11:20 PM | #15 |
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Re: Mechanical Fuel Pump Install Trick
I don't know. I did the hacksaw blade trick, it was awkward but worked.
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04-12-2023, 07:12 PM | #16 |
425hp409
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Re: Mechanical Fuel Pump Install Trick
A hack saw blade with a bend on the end works great to hold the rod up while slipping the pump arm under the rod.
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Charles 68 SWB, Dad bought new, now 396 & factory ac 64 Impala SS, 409 425HP, 4 speed AC 64 Bel Air Wagon, 400 Small Block 57 Bel Air all original 283 w/Factory Air 77 GMC Sprint, 454/425HP 67 Olds 442, all original 90 ZR1 Corvette |
04-12-2023, 08:07 PM | #17 | |
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Re: Mechanical Fuel Pump Install Trick
Quote:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/e...make/chevrolet |
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04-12-2023, 09:06 PM | #18 | |
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Re: Mechanical Fuel Pump Install Trick
Quote:
Just go buy a pump at Autozone/Oriellys for $40-50, they're lifetime warranty, and they have several locations in every mid sized city in the U.S., they're open 14 hours per day, and will replace it(if in stock) on the fly no questions asked. If you got stuck on a road trip with that broken edlebrock, I'd love to see them solve that situation..... |
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04-13-2023, 02:06 PM | #19 |
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Re: Mechanical Fuel Pump Install Trick
Put in an Oreillys pump. Had about 10 miles on it. Went into the garage and smelled gas. It was leaking around the rim. Nice. Second one. Bought elsewhere. Doesn't matter who you buy from if it fails. No fun to install.
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04-13-2023, 02:22 PM | #20 | |
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Re: Mechanical Fuel Pump Install Trick
Quote:
Seriously, I think you get a rebuild kit for it and build it in the parking lot.
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'83 K20-TPI '73 C10 '79 C10-ex-diesel(SOLD) '07 Tahoe(Son driving) '14 Suburban-DD '71 C10-current project Last edited by MARKDTN; 04-13-2023 at 02:28 PM. |
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04-13-2023, 02:25 PM | #21 |
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Re: Mechanical Fuel Pump Install Trick
Completely agree with the problem of getting a good pump, recently replaced my fuel tank, had carb completely restored so i replaced my old working pump. The new NAPA pump didn't last 3 rides..., cleaned out my old one and it's still going strong! And the grease trick has always worked well for me...
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1970 CST LB Fleetside, 402 BB, PS, PB,AC 1968 Firebird 400 conv. 1965 Chris Craft 17' wood ski boat (SN #0001) |
04-13-2023, 05:01 PM | #22 |
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Re: Mechanical Fuel Pump Install Trick
I've changed a few fuel pumps , 396 , 350 , 307 . Grease has always worked for me . Have had trouble getting a good pump . Thanks !
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04-13-2023, 08:02 PM | #23 | |
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Re: Mechanical Fuel Pump Install Trick
Quote:
I'd like to see some pics of that boat
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Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim |
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04-13-2023, 08:12 PM | #24 | |
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Re: Mechanical Fuel Pump Install Trick
Quote:
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04-13-2023, 10:57 PM | #25 |
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Re: Mechanical Fuel Pump Install Trick
Roadside?! That's why they sell AAA road service!
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