Fuel Pump Pushrod

[Hawker7]

Do you guys reuse your fuel pump pushrod from your old motor when getting a new crate motor? I got my crate motor last week, and the pushrod from the old motor looks in good shape. I was also told that there is a correct way to put the rod in, but both ends look the same to me???

[craig24671]

I don't see why you couldn't, as long as it is the same type motor and year range. I think the rod can go any way it's the same shape on both ends

[chevy_mike]

Depends on what crate motor you got. I know when I put a ZZ4 into my Camaro, I needed a specific push rod that was compatible with the roller cam. They are hardened different the a flat tappet style and the one I got had a hardened tip on one end, that would go in to the cam side. The fuel pump side was like a normal one.

Make sure you have the right one for your engine/cam or you can have some serious problems. Ideally use the style the cam manufacture recommends.

[Hawker7]

the rod was out of my 72 that had a 350, and I put in a 260 HP 350 crate motor. Should be the same block. I just didn't know if the rods went bad, or if one particular side goes towards the cam.

[chevy_mike]

Originally Posted by Hawker7

the rod was out of my 72 that had a 350, and I put in a 260 HP 350 crate motor. Should be the same block. I just didn't know if the rods went bad, or if one particular side goes towards the cam.

The 260HP crate engine is a standard flat tappet cam, so yes, your 72 rod will work. Normally the rods don't go wear out but check yours over and if you don't find any serious wear or bent, you'll be fine. In this case, there is not really a specific direction it goes. Typically they are fairly flat on the ends but if yours happens to have more curve on one end, that would be the end to put in first.