Need ideas on how to R&R a mechanical fuel pump on a 1966 427/390 AC car

[Darwin K.]

Re: Need ideas on how to R&R a mechanical fuel pump on a 1966 427/390 AC car

Great information Joe!
Thanks again.
Darwin

[Frank D.]

Re: Need ideas on how to R&R a mechanical fuel pump on a 1966 427/390 AC car

I've heard of people using a dull hacksaw blade to hold the pushrod in place while installing the pump, I usually go for the heavy grease -- it works.
I also generally do an oil change after a fuel pump R&R, depending on the failure your oil could have gotten diluted....

[Darwin K.]

Re: Need ideas on how to R&R a mechanical fuel pump on a 1966 427/390 AC car

Joe and Frank,
I am not sure where to put the heavy grease. Below the push rod? Would wheel bearing grease work?
I will be doing this 'blind' from below and won't be able to see the push rod or it's relationship to the fuel pump lever.
Would it be better to insert something (like some welding wire) into the pipe plug orifice and push up while trying to mount the fuel pump?
Thanks again everyone'
Darwin

[Joe L.]

Re: Need ideas on how to R&R a mechanical fuel pump on a 1966 427/390 AC car

Joe and Frank,
I am not sure where to put the heavy grease. Below the push rod? Would wheel bearing grease work?
I will be doing this 'blind' from below and won't be able to see the push rod or it's relationship to the fuel pump lever.
Would it be better to insert something (like some welding wire) into the pipe plug orifice and push up while trying to mount the fuel pump?
Thanks again everyone'
Darwin

Darwin------


To use the grease method you first remove the pushrod. Coat it with grease (wheel bearing grease is fine) and re-install it, inserting in as far as it will go. Of course, as I mentioned previously, you need to be sure that the fuel pump cam is on the base circle (i.e. so that the fuel pump push rod is in its most "retracted" position).

IF the grease works for you to retain the pushrod, that's going to be easier than using a slim tool to hold the pushrod.

[Joe C.]

Re: Need ideas on how to R&R a mechanical fuel pump on a 1966 427/390 AC car

Slather the pushrod with fibrous wheel bearing grease and if the engine is cold it will stay in place forever.

[Frank D.]

Re: Need ideas on how to R&R a mechanical fuel pump on a 1966 427/390 AC car

Darwin------


To use the grease method you first remove the pushrod. Coat it with grease (wheel bearing grease is fine) and re-install it, inserting in as far as it will go. Of course, as I mentioned previously, you need to be sure that the fuel pump cam is on the base circle (i.e. so that the fuel pump push rod is in its most "retracted" position).

IF the grease works for you to retain the pushrod, that's going to be easier than using a slim tool to hold the pushrod.

Exactly right. The grease will stay up there after things are assembled, but it won't hurt a thing....
I think the anticipation of doing this job is far worse than the job itself...when you're done you'll wonder what all the fuss was about...

[Darwin K.]

Re: Need ideas on how to R&R a mechanical fuel pump on a 1966 427/390 AC car

Thanks everyone.
I am still not sure how the pipe plug hold the push rod in place.
And if it is why I need to worry about it falling down to low.
I guess I won't understand it until I try and do it.
I am going to give it a go tomorrow.

Darwin

Darwin

[Frank D.]

Re: Need ideas on how to R&R a mechanical fuel pump on a 1966 427/390 AC car

Sounds like you are a 'first timer' with this job on a BB motor. I would suggest you put a towel or moving pad on the floor under the fuel pump while working. On my '67 Chevelle SS-396 I got a little careless and that rod shot out of the motor and luckily landed on my padded mechanic's creeper so it didn't get dinged up....

[Joe L.]

Re: Need ideas on how to R&R a mechanical fuel pump on a 1966 427/390 AC car

Thanks everyone.
I am still not sure how the pipe plug hold the push rod in place.
And if it is why I need to worry about it falling down to low.
I guess I won't understand it until I try and do it.
I am going to give it a go tomorrow.

Darwin

Darwin

Darwin-------


The pipe plug does not hold the pushrod in place. The pipe plug seals the orifice that the pushrod is removed from and installs into. It also keeps the pushrod from falling out after the fuel pump is removed.

[Darwin K.]

Re: Need ideas on how to R&R a mechanical fuel pump on a 1966 427/390 AC car

Got it.
Good info. Joe and Frank and everyone.

Darwin

[Darwin K.]

Re: Need ideas on how to R&R a mechanical fuel pump on a 1966 427/390 AC car

Hi all,

Got the pump on yesterday.
All your ideas and encouragement helped.

Lessons learned:

Take right front wheel off. This allows direct straight line of sight to the mounting bolts. Ratchet with long extensions through wheel well and over the A arm.
Get the cam lobe to lowest position and the rod will easily almost disappear into the block which leaves plenty of room for the pump lever without needing any unusual maneuvers.
Greased rod will stay in place for ever.
Can verify good position of pump lever by looking directly up access pipe plug orifice.

This GM replacement pump wont allow be to use by current pump to carb fuel line since the outlet is different.
I looked at the offerings on line, only Paragon makes the statement that what they have listed for 1966 390 won't work with GM replacement fuel pumps and indicate that the one for 1967 in stainless is correct.
Is this right? I can't tell by the limited images.

Thanks again,

Darwin

[Joe L.]

Re: Need ideas on how to R&R a mechanical fuel pump on a 1966 427/390 AC car

Hi all,

Got the pump on yesterday.
All your ideas and encouragement helped.

Lessons learned:

Take right front wheel off. This allows direct straight line of sight to the mounting bolts. Ratchet with long extensions through wheel well and over the A arm.
Get the cam lobe to lowest position and the rod will easily almost disappear into the block which leaves plenty of room for the pump lever without needing any unusual maneuvers.
Greased rod will stay in place for ever.
Can verify good position of pump lever by looking directly up access pipe plug orifice.

This GM replacement pump wont allow be to use by current pump to carb fuel line since the outlet is different.
I looked at the offerings on line, only Paragon makes the statement that what they have listed for 1966 390 won't work with GM replacement fuel pumps and indicate that the one for 1967 in stainless is correct.
Is this right? I can't tell by the limited images.

Thanks again,

Darwin

Darwin-----


The 1966 configuration used a 90 degree elbow between the fuel line and the pump. I assumed that your existing fuel pump used that elbow, too, and that you could transfer it to the new pump. If not, I would expect that the reproduction parts vendors have this elbow but I am not sure it will work with the new pump. It was GM #137423. No elbow was used for 1967 so I don't know what they're talking about as far as a stainless steel piece is concerned.

Otherwise, you can use the 1967 L-36 fuel line from pump to carb. This line is available in reproduction. In fact, this would be the best solution. That's because it's possible that the 137423 elbow uses pipe threads into the pump; I just don't recall. If so, that will not work with your new pump.

[Darwin K.]

Re: Need ideas on how to R&R a mechanical fuel pump on a 1966 427/390 AC car

Joe,

Your correct that my old pump had a female pipe opening that a 90 degree elbow with male pipe X flared female fitting that worked with my current pump to carb fuel line, ...But now the new replacement GM pump has a flared female opening (not a ntp) that won't work with the previous set up.

Darwin

[Joe L.]

Re: Need ideas on how to R&R a mechanical fuel pump on a 1966 427/390 AC car

Joe,

Your correct that my old pump had a female pipe opening that a 90 degree elbow with male pipe X flared female fitting that worked with my current pump to carb fuel line, ...But now the new replacement GM pump has a flared female opening (not a ntp) that won't work with the previous set up.

Darwin

Darwin------


You might be able to find a male tube-to-female tube 90 degree elbow. However, I still think your best bet is to use the 1967 L-36 fuel line.

[Darwin K.]

Re: Need ideas on how to R&R a mechanical fuel pump on a 1966 427/390 AC car

Joe,

Your right, 1967 L 36 line should work.

Thanks