Help I took the fuel pump out and can’t get the push rod To move

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by IT Cowboy

Ok, sorta disregard as I figured it out. I was looking for a push lobe inside the block and it is a push rod. I removed the square head bolt under the pump and the push rod fell out. The SOB issue I am facing is getting in there to put the pump in and get the rod on top of the pump plunger and then pushing it all in enough to bolt on. It is a ***** becuse I have AC and the compressor makes it all tight and hard to reach from top or bottom. I think I am going to have to have a buddy over to bolt it on while I hold it. Unless there is a truck to holding the plunger down while installing it

This is a minor thing and ppl replace these all the time but I remember changing the pump on my Ford in HS and it taking ten minutes. This is also tempting reason to go to the Sniper system and block off the mechanical pump.

Thank you for the replies and help.

Zero offense intended but if you can't get past a swap on a vintage sbc's mechanical fuel pump, swapping over & sorting through Sniper issues won't be easier.

Longer studs (not bolts) to slide the fuel pump onto can help guiding it into place while aligning the pump lever & the rod inside the block. Thumb tighten a nut on one side & you can then swap to the correct hardware/bolts or stick w/the studs.