the fuel pump rod in my 427 is very firmly held in place.  while not stuck i cannot extract it as there doesnt seem to be enought room to get a pair of needle nose pliers in to pull it out.  does anyone have an idea how i might get this darn rod out without pulling the top end off.

I have it on a stand right now.

Sounds like it's either got a mushroomed head on the cam side, or just really gunked up with old oil on the top.
My only suggestion is a very stout magnet, and soaking the top(as far as you can get) with WD40, Zep 45 etc., and just work the rod up/down with the magnet. If it's on a rotating stand, the penetrant will prolly run up the rod farther with the engine flipped...
I've had some that were buggers to get out too. As long as the cam end isn't mushroomed, or bent(not likely), working the penetrant in there will eventually get it cleaned enough to come out...
hth.


Chebby big blocks don't have the adapter plate like small blocks. The fuel pump rod goes in thru a threaded hole under the pump, and the hole is plugged with a pipe plug. The opening in the block for the actual pump is only large enough for the pump lever to fit in and move up/down. Great design, eh? Adams' Apple2008-11-05 06:18:03

this thing turned into a beast, I wound up pulling intake, rockers, push rods, lifters, etc to get to cam. pulled it then used a punch to move the rod out slightly..  still didnt want to budge much.  Then I welded a rod onto the end of it and between giving it persuasion through the cam opening and puling and prying from the fuel pump opening i finally got this rod out.  I really have no idea why it was so much trouble.  The rod rolls straight and doesnt appear to be damaged.  I can guess there must have been some kind of contaminent that was wedged between the rod and channel.

Wow...how long has this thing been sitting, Ben?
I'm assuming there is no visible corrosion on the rod?
Did you assemble the engine yourself, and was it that hard to get in?
Ya may need to "hone" the pump rod hole in the block a little if there is any corrosion/rust up in there...
That's just weird that it was that hard to get out...

on the assembly yes and no..